Caveat – this posting was spawned over a discussion we recently had with a school counsellor. They were frustrated over the fact that their school was spending thousands of dollars on technology surveillance solutions to deal with the perceived safety and security concerns at the school, rather than looking at better human solutions and resources.
In today’s onlife world where technology pervades every aspect of our lives, schools are no exception to this trend. From QR codes for check-ins to the implementation of surveillance tools like CCTV cameras and online monitoring software, schools are increasingly embracing these measures under the guise of ensuring the safety of students. While the intention behind these systems is undoubtedly to protect our children, the broader implications of such surveillance demand a critical examination by both parents and educators.
Since the mass school shooting at Columbine High School in the United States in 1999, the utilization of QR codes for check-ins, CCTV cameras for 360 surveillance, and online monitoring software represents a response to growing concerns about safety in schools. In 2021, the school security and surveillance industry had an estimated worth to be over 3 billion dollars (1) and is expected to grow even larger into 2027 (2) These measures are often presented as proactive solutions to prevent and address various threats, including unauthorized entry, bullying, physical assaults, mass shootings, suicide prevention, and other safety risks. Some schools that we have been in had better security measures than our local youth detention center did when it was still open here in Victoria.
The tech-based promise of increased safety can be enticing for parents and educators. QR codes for check-ins provide a streamlined method to monitor and track the presence of students on school property. CCTV cameras aim to deter misconduct and provide a layer of security and accountability, while surveillance software is positioned to monitor online activities, both within and outside of the school environment. Yet, the very technologies intended to protect students can also encroach upon the privacy and autonomy of students.
The implementation of surveillance measures in educational settings raises significant privacy concerns. The constant monitoring of students’ activities, and by default teachers’ activities as well, blurs the boundaries between educational guidance and invasive/unwarranted surveillance for all within the school. The gathering of extensive data on students, their behaviors, and their interactions raises questions about data security, potential misuse, and the long-term implications on individual freedoms under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms here in Canada, and in the United States under their US Constitution.
A 2023 report from the American Civil Liberties Union suggests that despite the intent to enhance school security, tools such as surveillance cameras and social media monitoring software fail to fulfill their promises. In fact, rather than fostering a safer environment, these technologies seem to make certain students feel significantly less secure. (3) In our opinion, the use of such tools is conveying misleading lessons to students about authenticity, risk, and the fundamental right to live without pervasive surveillance. Consequently, they compromise student privacy and diminish trust in teachers, school staff, and administrators. This is also something that is echoed in this academic peer reviewed research. (4)
Moreover, this intense level of surveillance might inadvertently lead to an environment of mistrust between students and their schools. It can stifle creativity, critical thinking, and individuality as students become increasingly aware of being under constant observation. Finding a balance between ensuring the safety of students and respecting their privacy is a delicate task. It requires a comprehensive approach that involves open dialogue between school administrations, parents, educators, and students themselves. However, it has been our experience that students are often not consulted on their thoughts and opinions, which is also reflected in the research (5).
What about the data these companies are collecting on our kids, how secure is it, and how might they be monetizing it to their financial benefit? (6)(7) Most schools don’t have staff to go it alone, so they invest in technology and companies that can do it for them. However, as Danielle Citron – Distinguished Professor in Law Caddell and Chapman Professor of Law Director, Law Tech Center stated: (8)
“Children’s safety is a paramount value. The question remains whether student surveillance protects students from self-harm, violence, and cyber bullying, as companies claim. School administrators say that the monitoring services make them “feel” safer and better informed. But feeling isn’t fact. Continuous and indiscriminate monitoring of students’ online activities is “security theater.” From what we know, students may be less safe and less well-off. Companies claim that their algorithms detect suicidal ideation, bullying, and impending violence, and that content moderators alert school officials and law enforcement so they can prevent harm. Proof of concept is scant, but from what we do know, most often, alerts from surveillance companies create a chain reaction of discipline for minor infractions. Serious punishment, like suspension, is disproportionately meted out to Black female and male students. Monitoring systems “out” LGBTQ+ students to teachers and parents (who may be unsupportive or worse). These costs are mostly borne by students from disadvantaged backgrounds—a blow to equal opportunity.”
We were consulted by a family whose middle school child was questioned over postings they had made on social media that were captured by monitoring software. These pictures and postings were totally taken out of context by the software, but yet an official school report and disciplinary record had been created which incorrectly labeled the content as concerning, which it was not! Yes- after our involvement this report and record were expunged.
Education and communication are pivotal in addressing this safety and security conundrum. Parents, educators, and students must engage in conversations about the necessity, extent, and ethical implications of surveillance, and the type of surveillance being considered in schools. Understanding the purpose and limitations of these technologies is crucial in fostering a sense of trust and accountability among all stakeholders.
While the deployment of QR codes for check-ins, CCTV cameras, and online social media surveillance software in schools may offer a sense of security, the broader implications on students’ privacy and individual rights cannot be overlooked. Striking a balance between safety and privacy is a multifaceted challenge that demands thoughtful consideration, open dialogue, and a collective effort to create an educational environment that protects and respects the well-being and rights of our kids.
As we navigate the complexities of modern technology and its integration into educational settings, it’s essential to ensure that the pursuit of safety does not compromise the fundamental values of privacy, trust, and individual development.
Some schools and school districts are spending millions of dollars on high-tech surveillance technology, and we could not find one “independent” peer reviewed study affirming the alleged benefits to such technology implementation. However, we found lots of industry published articles that promote all the benefits that their systems can offer schools if you buy their product.
We continue to believe that spending the money and time to create stronger teacher/student relationships (the human element) will always be money better spent when it comes to the emotional, psychological, physical, and social safety of our kids, rather than the millions of dollars being spent on the promise of technological solutions.
Can you imagine what a school could do with even half the amount of money being spent on school-based tech surveillance and instead focus in on professional development training for teachers and the hiring of more school counsellors!
We are not saying that there is no place for some tech solutions, maybe there are depending upon the school. However, we need to start spending way more money on the “human element” rather than the “tech element” when it comes to keeping our kids safer at school – just saying!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
2/ https://www.technavio.com/report/security-in-schools-market-analysis
4/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205221/
5/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0044118X20916617
7/ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/10/how-goguardian-invades-student-privacy
