UNION bosses have warned of “growing concern” among their members at the posting of derogatory social media videos and posts about members of school staff.

Scotland’s biggest teaching union says it will “consider all options” to safeguard its members from abuse – and urged councils to get police to investigate specific incidents where appropriate.

The warning comes after pupils at a Dumbarton secondary school were warned that videos containing derogatory comments about pupils and staff “will not be tolerated”.

A letter from Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School head teacher Christopher Smith, written in partnership with council education chief Laura Mason, was issued to parents and carers, and published on the school’s social media feeds, last week.

In the letter Mr Smith wrote: “We are aware of a number of TikTok accounts and videos that have been created that include images of and derogatory comments about our teaching staff and pupils.

“I am sure you can imagine how upsetting this can be for anyone subjected to this.

“Given our continued focus on ensuring our schools provide inclusive, diverse learning environments where our young people can thrive, we cannot tolerate this.”

Police Scotland has been made aware of the “upsetting” jibes being hurled at staff.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s education convener, Councillor Karen Conaghan was unsympathetic towards the conduct of students and called on them to “reflect on their behaviour”.

She said: “I’d ask pupils to try and put themselves in the other person’s shoes and ask themselves if they’d like to be treated in that manner.”

The deputy provost warned youngsters: “Pupils need to know that such behaviour has consequences.”

The Educational Institute of Scotland is urging councils to take action to protect its members.

A spokesperson said: “This is an issue of growing concern, and the EIS will consider all options to protect its members from this unacceptable abuse.

“Local authorities should be taking appropriate steps to protect their employees, including potential police involvement where appropriate.”

Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie labelled the footage as “completely inappropriate”.

She said: “Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and this extends to the way they are treated on social media platforms, as well as in person.

“I know that Our Lady and St Patrick’s teaches its pupils to be courteous and respectful and the school is right to crack down on anyone found to be making such videos.”

In his letter, Mr Smith reminded parents and carers that pupils’ mobile phones should not be used in class, and that the school office can be contacted in emergencies.

He added: “We would encourage you to monitor your child’s use of their phone and in particular social media sites and their contents.”