Schools 'use more CCTV than local authorities'

Responses to a Freedom of Information request by the civil liberties campaign group also found almost one in ten schools that are using cameras place them in changing rooms and bathrooms.

Data collected from more than 2,100 secondary schools and academies revealed more than 47,800 cameras have been installed in educational settings.

Extrapolating these figures, Big Brother Watch argues an estimated 106,710 cameras are being used in schools across England, Scotland and Wales.

In comparison, research published by the organisation last year showed at least 51,600 CCTV cameras are controlled by local authorities.

Of the schools that responded, 207 reported installing a total 825 cameras in changing rooms and bathrooms.

Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said they were surprised by the results of the investigation. “Some schools tell us they do this to prevent crime or for security. But there is no evidence that suggests putting up CCTV improves the security of schools.”

The report, Class of 1984: The Extent of CCTV in Secondary Schools and Academies, cites what Big Brother Watch claims is the only research into the effectiveness of CCTV in schools, published in 2007 in France.

It revealed cameras did nothing to reduce crime, and only marginally reduced school disorder, for example by decreasing the number of children setting off fire alarms.

“Schools are diverting resources into this and monitoring pupils. For what gain? And how are they measuring if it is effective?” Pickles said.

Phil Booth, a former teacher and director of the campaign group Truth2Power, said he was “appalled” by the findings.

“What possible justification does any school have for observing a child when they are dressing or going to the toilet? If they have bullying in toilets or changing rooms then it is the job of the school to stamp out bullying, not survey kids,” he said.

“If you cannot manage your school population during school time, this mentality is an admission of incompetence and failure.”

Margaret Morrissey, founder of parenting group Parents OutLoud, said schools should consult with parents before installing cameras.

“I’m not sure parents know why schools have these cameras," she said. "If we’re going to look at them as a positive thing, it’s important pupils know where they are and what they are used for.”

Big Brother Watch is now calling on the government to launch an independent review into the use of surveillance cameras in schools. “We feel there are things that would more proportionately deal with the problems schools are trying to address, such as better security or locks to deal with theft,” Pickles said.

The body is also appealing for the creation of a surveillance camera commissioner post, under the Protection of Freedoms Bill 2012, to be given powers of enforcement and inspection over cameras in schools.