Use of CCTV in toilets at Shropshire schools defended
Three schools in Shropshire today defended their use of CCTV cameras to monitor toilets and changing rooms, in light of a national watchdog’s report.
Belvidere School in Shrewsbury, Ludlow CE School and the Lord Silkin School in Telford are among 200 schools nationally with cameras in toilets and changing rooms, says campaign group Big Brother Watch.
But the use of cameras has been defended by county education authorities.
A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: “CCTV systems are a matter for individual schools, but any cameras are there to protect students, staff and other school users.”
Belvidere headteacher Pete Johnston added: “Any cameras in toilets are there to monitor the wash basin area and the actual toilet areas are masked from view. There is no live surveillance via CCTV at any time.
“Only specific incidents requiring investigation are viewed.”
A Telford & Wrekin Council spokesman said: “The Lord Silkin School is a fairly old site with a lot of blind spots, and cameras were installed more than 10 years ago with the sole aim of safeguarding pupils.
“We feel Big Brother Watch have got their priorities wrong. Statistics relating to how many pupils per camera are completely irrelevant compared with the safety of children.
“The cameras which are in toilets are focussed purely on the wash basin areas.”
Ludlow CE School was unavailable for comment.
Comments for: "Use of CCTV in toilets at Shropshire schools defended"
Colin Dodd.
“The cameras which are in toilets are focussed purely on the wash basin areas.”
The above quote, begs the question of whether the cameras are any use or not.
Any pupil wishing to indulge in a frowned upon activity, merely has to move away from the area covered.
Schizoidmum
I was glad they were there when someone tried to set light to my daughter's hair when she was at Belvidere, otherwise she might not have been believed and the other girl would have gone unpunished.
C.J Hamps
We really need to start seeing the advent of evidence based policy in local government. I really wouldn't think that CCTV coverage of a wash basin area increases the safety of pupils. More worryingly it creates a culture that constant monitoring is some how the 'norm'.
bit grumpy
I remember when I went to school, I'm all for it. I'm sure things would be worse without them. I now have 2 children in school and glad to know things like this are in place.
ANDREW FINCH
I assume they were situated on the entrance of changing rooms etc, as i think is the case .
However perhaps it is time we introduced cctv in to all classrooms in all schools and that it active through out the day i am sure it would protect both teachers and pupils and could be easily viewed should a problem arise nothing to hide no problem .
Shropsmn
For once I find myself in complete agreement with Andrew. CCTV cameras should be installed in ALL classrooms, hallways and other communal areas of schools to protect teachers from the increasing numbers of malicious complaints made against them, and as undoubtable proof of the activities of the minority of unruly, distruptive pupils who make school life hell for those who actually do want to learn something.
Of course, conversely, if a teacher or other staff member is out of line, that could be proven as well.
Schools should be a place where everyone feels safe and indeed is safe - sadly thoug that is not the case.
Ohh yes, and also the cameras could capture the activities of some of the feral parents whose actions towards other parents and teaching staff prove exactly where their kids get it from.
Think it doesn't happen - then sorry to disappoint but welcome to the modern world in the year of our Great Lord Jeremy Kyle
I.C EWE
It supprises me not that we still have people who think we still live in a CCTVfree world please wake up and smell the censis
we are always being monitered. For good or for bad your'll be greatfull if you ever needed to use them .
Brian
Cameras everywhere. Big brother is watching every move we make. We are bringing up a generation of wimps who are molycoddled from the cradle to the grave.
My generation, my fathers generation etc were brought up without cameras following us around everywhere and we survived and we grew up to be hard working honest citizens.
Having cameras in toilets/changing rooms is a clear violation of one's privacy.
Would these parents who support CCTV's in toilets and changing rooms be happy with cameras in bathrooms at their places of work or restaurants?
ANDREW FINCH
Brian the camaras are not actually watching people getting changed or going to the toilet.
To say in the old days we had no cctv and we grew up fine is rather stupid.
CCTV has helped in the detection and solving of many crimes from theft to catching murderers and people guilty of assaults and they possibly have saved peoples lives . It is nothing to do with wrapping people up in cotton wool it is another tool to catch the criminal and make an area safer .