r/Glasgow Tools

hi. i need some advice about schools in glasgow and would appreciate anything you could tell me. my brother is an international student and we’ve only been living in scotland for a year. ever since he started secondary school here, he’s been absolutely depressed. he’s not comfortable in the environment in school and is shocked at the bullying, gossiping, and physical violence that the kids around him take part in.

we’re not sure what to do to get him out of this depression he’s been in. for the last year we assumed that this was a culture shock and that he’ll eventually get used to things and come out of his shell at school and make friends with people a little more like him. now that back to school is approaching, he’s become anxious and depressed as he’s dreading going back.

we’ve suggested changing schools, but he’s afraid that things would be worse. right now he’s very uncomfortable in the school environment and doesn’t feel safe, but he’s not being targeted (he says this is probably because of how invisible he is to the others). he’s worried that in changing schools, he might end up being seen as a target.

i would love to get some perspective from anyone who has some experience with the schools in glasgow. would he benefit at all from changing schools, or does he just need to make his peace with his situation? is the bullying and physical violence common everywhere? do some schools have a particularly good/bad reputation when it comes to these issues? any personal experience or stories would be appreciated too.

i’m sorry for the formatting of this. i’m a really concerned big sister that could really use some help. if any part of of this is not clear enough please let me know.