CALLS to introduce photo identity cards to Scotland's secondary schools have sparked a row over civil liberties.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association insists a voluntary card scheme would help defeat bullies who steal and use pupils' free-meal cards.

But Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie has criticised the SSTA's proposals claiming the cards would do nothing to address the causes of bullying but teach young people an ID card-culture is "normal".

Defending the plans today SSTA general secretary David Eaglesham, argued: " If photo ID is introduced widely, bullying will dramatically reduce."

The SSTA plans to lobby local authorities for support in the new year.

Scottish Green Party MSP Patrick Harvie argued: "We should be preparing young people for the reality of defending their privacy and their civil liberties against some ever more intrusive government systems."