UK: CCTV ‘used to monitor schoolchildren in toilets and changing rooms’

Graeme Paton reports:

Schools are using CCTV cameras to spy on pupils in toilets and monitor teachers’ performance in the classroom, according to an official report.

The use of video surveillance has evolved in recent years from a security measure to a tool to keep checks on children and staff, it was disclosed.

A report by the Information Commissioner’s Office warned that many schools were flouting guidance on CCTV which insists cameras should only be used to monitor behaviour in exceptional circumstances.

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The latest study, which features contributions from a series of academics, said: “The use of CCTV has migrated from perimeter security and access control to monitoring pupil behaviour in public areas such as in corridors and playgrounds, and to more private realms such as changing rooms and toilets.”