Image of Glasgow University Main Building overlooking Kelvingrove Park at sunset.

Glasgow Uni has banned unaccompanied children on campus following ‘a number of incidents’

This change comes as the result of numerous cases of verbal abuse and property damage


The University of Glasgow has announced that unaccompanied children are no longer allowed on campus.

This comes as the university reported it had faced “a number of incidents”.

Local schools have been informed that pupils not attending official university events or who are on campus without supervision, will be asked to leave the premises. This rule, however, will not extend to senior pupils who use the public spaces to study.

Public buildings such as the James McCune Smith Learning Hub, and the newly built Adam Smith Postgraduate Hub, are popular for students to inhabit during the day due to the number of seats on offer. Still, if you get there after 9am in exam season – that is not quite the case.

A university spokesperson told Scotland on Sunday that whilst the university is a “proudly open campus”, it wants to “ensure the best environment for those in our community to work and study in.”

They added: “We are making some changes to access to the campus and university buildings for schoolchildren, to ensure all those needing to use the facilities can do so free of disturbance.

“Due to a number of incidents involving antisocial behaviour across university property, unaccompanied schoolchildren will be asked to leave the campus. Local schools have been notified.”

Image of Glasgow University main building, from the quadrangle

However, the spokesperson concluded that schoolchildren attending official university events “will always be welcome”, as will those who wish to use the facilities to study for their Highers.

Scottish Conservative Glasgow MSP Annie Wells added: “It is disappointing that the behaviour of a minority has ultimately resulted in other young people missing out on visiting this campus, which is rightly open to all.”

Although, she says she understands the move as universities in Scotland are facing funding cuts and that “having to tackle rising levels of anti-social behaviour is the last thing they need.”

Police Scotland also says its been dealing with a number of anti-social behaviour incidents across the city. Sergeant Craig Thomson said officers are conducting regular patrols and anyone “found to be committing these offences will be dealt with appropriately.”

He said: “We understand the impact these crimes have on the local community and I would like to thank locals who continue to bring these incidents to our attention. I would reassure them that everything possible is being done to reduce antisocial behaviour in our area.”

Related stories recommended by this writer:

Glasgow student involved in hit and run was caught by her own phone after filming incident

Goodbye personal statements: Here’s what Glasgow students think about the scrapping

Glasgow University distances itself from newly elected rector after Israel/Gaza comments