Nothing wrong with cameras in schools

When a school installs cameras, the details should be available on the school’s website, andmaybeeven noted ina school’s prospectus.

But not for any reason other than to avoid any confusion over the intent and purpose of those cameras.

Otumoetai College hit the headlines after concerns were raised over their wall-mounted cameras inside student toilets, installed 20months ago.

Amumsays her daughters, who attend the school, will not beusing the toilets until they are takendown — claiming the cameras are able to capture vision frominside the cubicles.

Theschool rejectsher claim, saying the cameras only show students entering and exiting the toilets, and pupils’ privacywasnot at stake.

Theschool’s website mentions theiruse of thecctvcameras at the school, highlighting classrooms, hallways and public spaces where therehas been ongoing vandalism. Othermeansof prevention have not been effective.

Toilets obviously fall into the realm of the public spaces but perhaps they could add toilets into that just tomakeit absolutely clear, setting the tone that the schoolhad nothing to hide.

Somepeoplewill be dead set against cameras in schools.

The“big Brother” is watching situation, the lack of trust for young adults at the school, and invasion of privacywill all likely be someof the cons highlighted by those against them.

But I, for one, amnot. Actually,

I’m supportive.

At the end of the day, and assuming these cameras really can not see into the stalls, they offer moreprotection for the students, and the school itself.

Wheniwas at high school, a lot happened in toilet blocks. Some students smokedcigarettes, some defaced property, somewere bullied andsome even sat there during the lunch breaks wanting to avoid the masses because they had nofriends of their own.

As a parent, if my child sought solace in a bathroom out of loneliness or fear, orwaspicked on while simply going to the bathroom, I’d feel better knowing cameras could help shine a lightonthose negative experiences.

Having cameras ina bathroom would also surely ensure the spaces remained cleaner overall, deterring graffiti and other misuses of the toilets, which are obviously other benefits.

Otumoetai College principal Russell Gordon toldnzmehis school’s cameras only showedthe washbay areas and did not capture any vision inside cubicles.

Hesays the aimis to ensure safety for the students.

I’m confident this is the case.