EDITORIAL - Let the debate begin

 

Over the past few months there has been a lot of talk about violence in schools, particularly in light of several recent incidents of student-on- student violence and student-on-teacher violence, which have been capturing the attention of the media and by extension the public in general. Media practitioners have no doubt jumped on these stories, bringing to fore the need to address a problem that has not just this year reared its ugly head, but is one which has been around since time immemorial, and one which we need to really have addressed sooner rather than later.
 
It was no surprise then last month when recommendations put forward by a security organisation, suggested that closed-circuit television cameras and scanning devices should be installed within schools across the country. 
 
The recommendations from the Caribbean Association of Security Professionals, which they said would be sent to the Ministry of Education in a matter of weeks, piqued our interest. We then became more interested in the idea just last week as President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, Pedro Shepherd told the media that the idea of introducing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras was discussed at its meeting with officials of the Ministry of Education. But, it was said that that the cameras, if indeed installed, would not be placed in classrooms or corridors, but only at the gates and the perimeter fences.
 
We accept the fact that ensuring the security of schools is important, especially given that not every school has a security guard and that where these posts do exist they probably need to be increased. However, in recent times the majority of security concerns at schools have not been from external sources, but have been internal in nature. One could argue that had a camera been in the classroom at the Ellerslie Secondary School, the incident that occurred recently between the female student and female teacher there could have been easily dealt with, as there would have been concrete evidence in hand to say what did and did not occur.
 
Certainly, if the Ministry were to decide to install CCTV cameras in schools it will spark a massive debate in this country, as has been the case in other countries across the world, the United States and United Kingdom included, with the main argument being that it is an invasion of privacy. But once the cameras are not installed in bathrooms or toilets, can it truly be argued that they invade one’s privacy? Another argument against CCTV in schools is the costs associated with installing and maintaining the systems, and in an already cash strapped economy this is not an argument we can ignore.
 
On the other hand, those in favour of CCTV in schools say the cameras deter misbehaviour, reduce violence and bullying, stop intruders from coming on to the school premises and generally make everyone feel safer and make the school environment more productive for teaching, learning and development.
 
These are the kinds of issues that have to be fully ventilated and thrashed out with all the relevant stakeholders – the teachers, students and their parents. Indeed, such extensive consultation would allow the authorities to make an informed decision as to the way forward. However, without this interaction, persons are likely to be suspicious of the rationale to install the cameras and be opposed to them.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000