A question posted on a group of teachers, on a social network, revealed the fact that the installation of video cameras in classrooms has beneficial effects but can also lead to problematic situations.
Video surveillance cameras could reduce school violence PHOTO: archive
A member of a private group on a social network with many teachers wanted to know the opinion of his colleagues about the potential benefits of installing video surveillance cameras in classrooms. Specifically, he wanted to find out if the installation of these cameras really leads to a reduction in the number of cases of violence in the school environment.
Instead, the subject was turned on all sides, including discussing the legal aspect of mounting these video cameras.
“Parents would have more confidence in teachers who really deserve it and we wouldn't be “all the same” anymore”
“As a teacher, for me it does not change anything whether I am filmed or not. The inspections are with audio-video and there is nothing different, as long as you do your job everything is ok. However, some students can become more adept at their behavior when they know they can actually see what their parents did at a given time. More recently, every hour there are classes in which the incidents are chained and the teacher can't do anything about them, plus he is scolded by the parent as if it is his fault that the student has a poor education. The footage is viewed only at the level of the institution, just like those in the hallway or the school yard, where it's good that it exists, so the management finds out what certain students are doing during breaks or during classes.” says a member of the group. He believes that there would be real benefits, including for the good reputation of teachers, if such cameras were installed not only in the hallways, but also in the classrooms. “Perhaps this is how parents would really see how their children behave and what vocabulary they have towards their peers or the teacher. We provide them with knowledge on different fields and subjects, we do not educate them on behavior. At most we fix a conflict situation or offer advice, but education starts at home. To be completely honest, measures would also be taken against verbally and physically aggressive teachers, so that parents would have more confidence in teachers who really deserve it and we would no longer be «all the same»”says the teacher.
“We've had cameras everywhere for several years. It doesn't bother anyone. It doesn't stress us out. Children greet the room daily. The recordings really helped me solve a situation”is another opinion.
“I completely agree with surveillance cameras. I do my job, so I have nothing to hide. Unfortunately, it is not practiced at our school for who knows what reasons, and honestly a great shame! We really need it with the children we have! At the schools where it was actually put into operation, I was able to hold classes in peace and quiet. And besides the cameras, a gendarme wouldn't hurt either!”another teacher writes.
Other teachers say they don't need video surveillance cameras to teach because behavior problems aren't so bad in their schools that students disrupt class.
“Being filmed everywhere is a different experience than it was before. And it can be seen whether you have prepared for the lesson or not, if you are late, how you speak. You could learn to speak better from someone, better solutions, if you have someone to learn from. But anything can be used against you too.” another member of the group draws attention.
“It seems to solve the discipline problems of the students as well as the teachers. However, I have the feeling that a major negative aspect can appear here, with so much overcontrol”points out another commenter.
On the same note, another group member raises the following question: “Does anyone know how the children will be affected by the knowledge that they are being watched all the time?”.
From schools where surveillance cameras have been in place for years, similar opinions are coming. “It doesn't solve any problem. It's like before”, someone says. “Violence has dropped by 80%. And many things have been resolved,” someone else writes instead.
“And it worked for us with a more agitated class. No teacher was bothered that it was being filmed. Pupils' behavior has improved”, is another message in favor of using these cameras.
“It's illegal,” instead it draws the attention of a member of the group, who points to the legal basis for what was said “data protection legislation, GDPR, European Convention on Human Rights, ECtHR judgments”. “The hall is not a public space”, another message comes in support of the previous one, but the discussions are ended when someone points out that when there is agreement from all parties there can be no more illegality.
“The only and last culprit is the teacher”
Starting from the installation of video surveillance cameras in the classroom, teachers end up discussing how a problematic situation can be concretely solved and whether other aspects should be changed to give teachers authority.
“The problem is whether measures can be taken or not! If they can be taken, as it used to be, they could be taken without cameras. In the current conditions, however, when the only and last culprit is the teacher, the cameras will constitute evidence especially against him. We go over the fights between the students, because they don't turn off their cameras, as you see on TV. But if they cursed a teacher, let's see why the poor “child” came to such a thing, how the teacher “provoked” him! Why didn't he know how to handle the situation? Why didn't he attract it? Why didn't he stay with him to explain, that he is a child and doesn't know! You see this in the media too. So, at the end of the day, I'm telling you, that formula from American crime movies applies: everything you say (and do) can be used against you as a teacher. The student will always be the misunderstood victim, and we will provide the video evidence with which to confuse our “experts” in education!”is another opinion.
The installation of video surveillance cameras in classrooms can currently only be done with the consent of parents and teachers, according to the pre-university education law in force (Law 198/2023). The Minister of Education, Ligia Deca, sparked heated discussions this spring when she announced in a press conference that she was considering changing the legislation so that this agreement would no longer be needed for the installation of the cameras. On the other hand, the recordings will not be able to be used to evaluate the activity of the teaching staff, the purpose of installing the cameras being to prevent acts of violence in the school environment, announced Deca.
