A mother pulled her teenage son from a sex education class after pupils were shown what she said was an “unreasonably graphic” video.
She requested information relating to the relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) course but decided to withdraw the 14-year-old from the class.
The woman later accused teachers at the unnamed school of trying to bully her child into returning. She complained to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), which threw out her claim.
However, the mother’s stance has been backed by the moderator of the Free Church, who said the situation was no different to that of non-religious people opting out of religious classes.
The Rev David Robertson said: “She clearly has a right to withdraw her child in the same way atheists have the right to withdraw their children from religious observance.
“It’s a basic human right, recognised by the United Nations, that parents have the right to have their children educated according to their faith or their values. If this woman thinks the video is not appropriate for her child it’s not for the school or the state to say it is.”
A report by the SPSO, which was issued on Wednesday, concluded the school was within its rights to discuss the situation with the mother, identified only as Mrs C.
It said: “All the information provided by Mrs C and the council was given careful consideration but there was no evidence to show that the council had been unreasonable in their provision of information.
“While the school agreed that it was Mrs C’s decision to remove her son from the sex education part of the RSHP course, they did not condone the fact that she removed him from the entire course and advised her that this was contrary to education guidelines.
“In the circumstances, they were entitled to write to her and talk to her son about his absence from class. There was no evidence that he had been bullied or put under unreasonable pressure.”
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “We note the decision of the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and their recognition that there was no evidence to show that the council had been unreasonable in their provision of information.
“The video used by all Perth and Kinross secondary schools for the teaching of sex education was checked to ensure it was appropriate for use in school and has been approved by all local authorities, NHS Scotland and Police Scotland.”