Edinburgh pupils to be limited to one day of climate strikes per year
The Council's voted to impose new rules
School pupils in Edinburgh will only be allowed to join climate change strikes one day per year under new rules.
Edinburgh Council's Education Committee voted in favour of the new rule this morning, making it the first local authority in Scotland to have such a restriction.
For months children across the world have been skipping classes on certain days to protest against environmental policy.
In March the capital became the first place in the country to say it wouldn't punish kids for taking part.
Now, absences which aren't agreed day off during the academic year will be recorded as unauthorised - and require parental consent.
Edinburgh City Council education convener Ian Perry said: "We support the young people making their voices heard regarding climate change as it is one of the most important issues that's facing the world.
"However, there needs to be a balance struck and if we allow pupils more than one absence the issue is that they could be regularly missing school which affects their education.
"We are also encouraging schools to support pupils in any projects which help educate them in school about climate change."
Eight councillors voted in favour of the new rule, while two - both Greens - voted against.
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