Schools collect a lot of student information, but many kids don’t really know what’s stored or how it’s used. Online dangers like cyberbullying and grooming are real threats, and while schools have a responsibility to protect students, they often lack the resources to do so effectively.
To tackle this, a new industry is stepping in, adapting law enforcement tech to schools. Tools like internet monitoring, CCTV, and biometric scanners are popping up everywhere. Colin Tankard, managing director of Digital Pathways, says schools are under pressure. Their IT departments are stretched thin, forcing them to choose between overly strict measures or leaving things unmonitored.
Some schools are tracking students’ online activities, including the sites they visit and the messages they send. This kind of surveillance operates below the radar, often unnoticed by students. Jen Persson from Defend Digital Me points out that this tech isn’t about education; it’s just there, and kids usually aren’t aware it exists.
Data isn’t always handled by the schools themselves but by third-party companies, which assess it for signs of risky behavior. If they find anything troubling, they alert the school. Katherine Howard from Smoothwall emphasizes that encrypting student data and following local laws is vital for protecting privacy while keeping students safe.
It’s easy to think that if schools aren’t processing the data directly, they’re off the hook regarding data protection. But according to the Data Protection Act 2018, schools are still responsible for how third parties manage data.
Persson expresses concern that while tools meant to safeguard kids are beneficial, they can also pose serious risks. She worries that the conversation around surveillance isn’t happening, as everyone focuses on protecting children.
Teenagers are typically tech-savvy and often find ways around monitoring. For instance, when one school implemented strict internet surveillance, students quickly switched to their phones, evading the restrictions.
Despite their attempts to protect students, schools have inadvertently normalized surveillance, suggesting that being monitored is just part of life. Some companies seem to advocate for this mindset, with one tech company stating that children should get used to being monitored in school to prepare for the workplace.
While schools need to protect kids from harm, the focus often shifts toward restricting access to inappropriate content rather than addressing the underlying issues. Tankard mentions that while security might need to be robust, it shouldn’t invade privacy by monitoring every message.
Regulatory oversight concerning surveillance technologies in schools is limited. The UK’s GDPR aims to enhance protections for minors, stressing transparency about how personal data is stored and processed. Schools often use biometric data, like fingerprints, for meal payments, which must come with opt-out options.
There’s a pressing need for research on the impact of all this data collection on children. Studies have shown that constant surveillance can stifle free expression and creativity in education.
Cyberbullying isn’t just a tech issue; it’s cultural. Schools and parents must work together to ensure kids understand online risks and know how to navigate them safely. But this requires time and resources that many schools just don’t have.
While schools often mention online safety resources to parents, it’s unclear how effectively these are used. A balanced approach to monitoring is necessary, so we don’t get stuck in a cycle of constant surveillance. Tankard argues there’s a need for a uniform policy to guide how data is managed in education, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Sadly, the Department for Education didn’t respond when asked for input.