Dundee primary school children have been involved in bringing weapons including pen knives and large branches to class.
Figures obtained as part of a Freedom of Information request show knives, metal poles and tree branches have all been confiscated from pupils during the past four years.
Dundee City Council refused to reveal the exact number of pupils caught in possession of weapons for data protection reasons, but conceded both primary and secondary children have had items removed.
No weapon confiscations were recorded in 2011/2012, but between 2012 and 2014, several high school pupils had dangerous items confiscated.
By 2016, primary children, too, had been reprimanded by schools for bringing weapons to class.
Dundee City Council says it is working with schools to ensure an “agreed and consistent” approach is in place to tackle the issue.
Labour education spokesperson Laurie Bidwell described the figures as “worrying”.
He said: “The five year figures from Dundee City Council, of school pupils having an offensive weapon in school, show a worrying increase in these incidents from none recorded in school year 2011-12.
“Additionally, PoIice Scotland have revealed that between 2013 and 2015, there were 11 incidents recorded across nine high schools in the city where police had been informed of a dangerous weapon at school.
“Children should not be carrying weapons anywhere — let alone into schools. Even one occasion is too many as the the tragic death of the Aberdeen schoolboy Bailey Gwynne has demonstrated.”
Dundee’s Educational Institute of Scotland branch secretary secretary Dave Baxter said the union operated a “zero tolerance” attitude toward violence and said members are offered advice on what to do when confronted with violence.
Dundee child and family services convener Stewart Hunter said he believes both pupils and staff are adopting a proactive approach to curbing violence in schools.
He said:Â “This shows that teachers are being proactive in finding these weapons.
“Any assault on teachers, pupils, parents, or anyone who works in schools, is something we take very seriously.
“Pupils feel like they can go to staff and report any concerns they have.
“Credit goes to head teachers, staff and pupils for that.
“That’s the culture we want to encourage.”
Mr Hunter has previously said he has “serious reservations” about teachers being given the power to “stop and search” pupils.
On Tuesday he reiterated his stance.
He said: “You have to be very careful in situations like that (stop and search incidents).
“Efforts of a teacher in trying to stop and search can put teachers at risk, but also has the possibility of causing a bigger stramash and putting pupils at risk.”
In November police were called to Baldragon Academy to deal with reports of a pupil in possession of a knife.
Between August and February last year, 221 workers across Dundee’s nurseries, special 
education centres, primary schools and high schools reported being assaulted.
