Surveillance Cameras In Schools?
Do they make a difference?
What's The Issue?
Do you think students should be surveyed during school? Different people think different things. Just because your friends think one thing doesn't mean you have to think the same thing.
What Do I Think?
I think having surveillance cameras in schools is not a bad idea, as long as they are not invading privacy. Sure, one or two cameras in each classroom wouldn't be bad, but a camera in every locker and bathroom stall would be too much. What I'm saying here is that surveillance cameras in schools is a good idea, as long as there are a few modifications.
the good stuff
"During the 2005–06 school year, according to the most recent statistics available from the U.S. Department of Education, 86 percent of public schools nationwide reported that one or more serious violent incidents, thefts, or other crimes had occurred at their school, for a total of roughly 2.2 million crimes." That works out to about one crime reported for every 20 students. And that doesn’t include vandalism and graffiti: "Nearly 100,000 incidents of vandalism are reported in the United States public school system every year." Having surveillance cameras in schools can help prevent this. Some people think that cameras are linked with watching your every move, 24/7. This isn't always true. Cameras can help provide safety and security. Some people just feel more comfortable with cameras around.
the not-so-good stuff
As well as the possibility of invading privacy, there is also the matter of cost. "Cameras are expensive, with some high-end systems costing $500,000 or more, plus annual maintenance fees. There have been protests and legal action surrounding camera installation at schools nationwide, and there are a number of issues to consider before signing off on surveillance." What problems are you trying to solve with cameras? If you do install cameras, what kind of atmosphere will it create at your school? Most importantly, what do parents and students think? "When word got out that administrators at the Seaholm and Groves high schools in Oakland County, Michigan, were considering installing security cameras, it led students to organize the group Students Against Security Cameras (SASC). Its members have attended school board meetings to protest the plan, which they feel would be an unnecessary expense and would promote an atmosphere of distrust in the schools."
let's sum it up
What I'm saying is that security cameras can be good and bad. Although cameras can increase safety and security, they can also violate privacy. Of course they can infiltrate someone's personal life, they can also reduce crime in educational and other areas.
some interesting facts
I learned that some students formed a group that was against surveillance. They found out that their administrators were going to put security cameras in their school and didn't like it. I also learned that there isn't a right or wrong answer to my question of whether or not security cameras should be in schools.
ending the world - i mean this presentation . . . . .
I hope I have changed your point of view on this matter, or at least made you think about the other side of the subject. Thank you for looking at this flyer. I hope you enjoyed my presentation!
Security Cameras in our School
student survey
I did a survey of my classmates. Six students said yes, they should be allowed, eleven students said no, they shouldn't be allowed, and nine students either said they should be allowed under certain circumstances, or they maybe should be allowed.