More than 250 racist incidents were reported at schools across Tayside, Fife and Central Scotland, new figures have revealed.
The abuses, which took place in primary and secondary schools across 2011 and 2012, can be revealed after freedom of information request by the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
The party’s education spokesman Liam McArthur said ministers need to look again at how children are educated about racism.
A total of 1,274 racist incidents were recorded across 24 local authorities who responded, with 730 of those occurring at primary and 544 at secondary schools.
Angus Council recorded 45 incidents, Clackmannanshire two, Dundee City 17, Fife 107, Falkirk 37 and Perth and Kinross 46. Stirling Council did not respond to the FOI, a Liberal Democrat spokesman said.
Outside of the classroom, Scottish Government statistics show there were 5,389 racist incidents in Scotland in 2011/12, the first increase in five years.
Dundee City Council’s education convener, Stewart Hunter, said the authority has a “robust” anti-bullying and anti-racism policy in place.
He added: “While I am pleased to see that the number of incidents in the city is comparatively small, we are by no means complacent and continue to ensure that teachers, parents and pupils are aware of the way in which racism can occur and what to do if they become aware of it happening in our schools.”
An Angus Council spokeswoman said: “Our policy requires schools to log all racist incidents and a copy of the report is shared with a senior education manager who monitors all incidents and liaises with head teachers as required.
“The report outlines the nature of the incident, action taken to support the pupils involved, and restorative approaches are used to support those involved in reaching a solution.”
A Perth and Kinross Council spokesman said the authority complements work done in the classroom with one of the biggest Show Racism the Red Card programmes in Scotland, run in conjunction with Unison and St Johnstone FC. Last year’s event saw over 1,100 pupils attend.
He added: “Individual incidents of racist behaviour by children are dealt with by head teachers on a case-by-case basis.
“Any punishment will be accompanied by efforts to ensure that the child concerned fully understands why racism is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Racist behaviour or bullying is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in any schools. We expect councils and schools to tackle racist behaviour where it does occur.”
Fife Council failed to respond to Courier questions by the time of going to press.