The Scottish Executive is to introduce "Education for Citizenship" to teach pupils aged between three and 18 their rights and responsibilities.

Launching the plan, Deputy Education Minister Nicol Stephen said citizenship was a central part of education in the US and many European countries.

"Many young people are turned off by politics and feel alienated from society," he said.

'Three R's'

"Education for citizenship helps children to learn about political, economic, social and cultural issues. It focuses on the '3 Rs' - rights, responsibilities and respect."

The strategy falls short of recommending formal classes in citizenship. Instead, it proposes a "framework of ideas" for schools to develop "thoughtful participation" in society.

Mr Stephen unveiled the strategy at Kingswells Primary School in Aberdeen.

Nicol Stephen: "Excellent initiatives"

The school's primaries one and two include work on the importance of co-operation and taking account of each other's needs.

It has also developed links with the Aberdeen City Council to give pupils first hand experience of the issues faced by local government.

But the Scottish Parent Teacher Council has warned that schools must not interfere with the crucial role of parents.

The Scottish National Party wants citizenship to permeate the whole curriculum - while the Tories are seeking safeguards to prevent political bias creeping into lessons.

'Great potential'

Mr Stephen continued: "Education for citizenship offers great potential for positive change.

"Excellent initiatives are already taking place in schools and communities across the country.

"All children and young people must have the opportunity to freely debate the knowledge, skills and values associated with citizenship.

"I hope that this debate will lead them to the conviction that being active and responsible citizens will benefit them as individuals and our society as a whole."