THERE wasn't a single instance of bullying pupils in any West Dunbartonshire primary or secondary school last year over gender, gender reassignment, homophobia or sexual orientation.

New figures for the 2015/16 school year being presented at tonight's education services committee also showed a clean slate for bullying in the categories of disability, economic circumstances, marital statues or pregnancy, sectarian, sexual harassment, substance misuse and even gang related bullying.

The numbers were described as "surprising" by one youth worker and form part of a report on the "inclusive support practices to promote positive relationships" in schools.

A full council meeting in December asserted that all young people had the right to study in environments which are "fully inclusive, tolerant and accepting of LGBTI+ identities, and which is free of homophobic and transphobic bullying".

In a report to the education services committee, it states: "An increasing number of young people are accessing and supported by youth counselling services. The number of young people presenting with issues around their sexuality is recognised and increasing."

It also informs councillors the local authority will work with any equalities organisations and the Scottish Government "to ensure that homophobic and transphobic bullying in all of our schools is effectively tackled and that West Dunbartonshire's classrooms actively promote equality and inclusivity for all young people".

The report adds: "Incidents of byllying are monitored, recorded and appropriate actions taken."

But across all schools, there were just 30 instances of bullying in all 2015/16, with 11 in primaries and 19 in secondaries.

The majority of bullying incidents in primary, seven, were racial. Secondary schools saw five incidents of bullying in each of the categories of age, body image and "other".

Though the report names a number of national organisations at partners including Stonewall, Show Racism the Red Card, Young Carers and the Scottish Catholic Education Services, it doesn't mention Fusion, a youth group that's part of the charity Y Sort It, meeting weekly in Clydebank.

It also doesn't mention the TIE (Time for Inclusive Education) Campaign, which was the original LGBT equality motion supported by all councillors at the December council meeting.

Gillian Kirkwood, manager of youth charity Y Sort It, said she was surprised by the figures showing no instances of bullying on LGBT issues at all.

She said: "I was surprised by the figures and it could be a sign of under-reporting. I would encourage young people to come forward if they are bullied. It can be quite hidden - that's one of the traits of bullying.

"We would welcome anyone from the education services committee to come and speak to the Fusion group."