School toilet CCTV row: Cameras are 'extreme measure' but will help tackle bullying
Installing CCTV in a Black Country school’s toilets was ‘an extreme measure’ but one that will help tackle bullying, according to a child protection expert.
The move by Summerhill School in Kingswinford has proved divisive, with some parents criticising the school.
Headteacher James Bowkett said the cameras had been installed following ‘disappointing behaviour’, and ‘were ‘are not pointed in sensitive areas’.
Now, independent child protection consultant Joanna Nicolas has come out in defence of the CCTV. She said it was a sad indictment of some pupils’ behaviour, but if the school felt the measures were needed then the decision should be backed.
Sixty-six per cent of 1,000 voters in an Express & Star poll have said installing the CCTV in school toilets was the wrong move.
Ms Nicolas said: “I think it’s a sad day in a way but the school has clearly got a good reason for doing it.
“We can get hysterical about this and think children are going to be filmed [in the toilets] but that isn’t going to happen. What we know is that children are bullied and abused in private places.
“We don’t want cameras pointing at toilets which children are using, but if we have to go to these extreme measures to protect children then that is what we have to do. If we have to go to these absolutely fairly extreme measures to protect children then that has to be the right thing to do.
“It’s a sad day when a school has to do this but unfortunately they are dealing with more and more difficult behaviour.”
Photographs posted online show dome-shaped cameras installed over urinals.
Mr Bowkett explained, executive headteacher, said: “Following some disappointing behaviour from students, who were not maintaining our high standards of behaviour whilst in the toilet areas, we took the decision to extend the network of cameras to these areas.
“I must stress this is to allow us to monitor who is entering and leaving the communal areas and I can reassure parents no cameras are directed towards sensitive areas including cubicles or urinals.”
Parents have hit out at the move on social media. One said the measure was ‘absolutely disgusting’.
A person posted on Facebook: “My son has come back and said he doesn’t want to go to the toilet. It’s shocking, may have problems going on in the toilets but they can’t do this surely.”
Another said: “My daughter has now said she is “holding it” and not going to the loo and she’s not the only one who has said this...I’m disgusted!”
Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley, has also backed the CCTV – saying it will help tackle bullying,
He said: “The school has taken steps to combat an element of bullying and anti-social-behaviour.
“It is extremely sad we have got to resort to this but it is a reflection of society in this day and age. I support the measures.”
An NSPCC spokesman said: “Schools play an essential role in protecting children and young people.
“They can do this by creating safe environments for children through robust safeguarding practices where pupils feel confident to approach any member of staff if they are being bullied.
“And by making sure staff are trained and know how to respond to any concerns.”
Children can contact Childline in confidence on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. For more details visit the safeguarding section of nspcc.org.uk
