A secondary school is facing harsh criticism after installing CCTV in the student toilets.
Headteacher Graham Forbes emailed parents at Sponne School in Towcester, Northamptonshire earlier this week, citing ‘anti-social behaviour and vandalism’ in the toilets.
The letter, read by LBC, said the cameras are intended to be a ‘deterrent to behaviour such as bullying, vandalism, vaping and other misconduct’ and to help teachers address the situations quickly.
Certain parts of the footage, such as the stalls and urinals, are reportedly ‘blurred’ – but this hasn’t lessened the concerns of parents.
Parent Simon told LBC: ‘My child and their friends said they no longer feel comfortable using the toilets as a result of this, which I imagine will only lead to further issues.
‘I completely understand the need to address anti-social behaviour and bullying, but this feels like a step too far.’
The school said they plan to start an open conversation with concerned parents about the controversial cameras – but they aren’t the only school to face backlash for similar measures.
Sponne School has been contacted for a statement.
A head teacher in County Durham previously defended putting CCTV cameras in the toilets.
Father of one of the pupils, Andy Black said: ‘It’s a violation of privacy for the children. We were not consulted.
‘They say it’s to prevent bullying. If they want to stop bullying, put cameras on the outside of the door to see who is going in and out.’
Others pointed out concerns about if the cameras are secure from hackers who could use the footage for nefarious reasons.
One school which also had CCTV installed in the toilets was ordered to remove the cameras after vandalism and ‘bullying’.
Summerhill School in Kingswinford, Dudley, blamed contractors for installing the CCTV in the toilets, rather than in corridors outside.
An investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office said an officer had visited the school and confirmed the cameras would now be removed.
An ICO spokesperson said: ‘Recording images of any identifiable individuals needs to be done in line with the Data Protection Act and particular care needs to be taken when this involves involve children.
‘Also, cameras should only be used in toilet areas in exceptional circumstances.
‘After working with the ICO, Summerhill School will remove the cameras and put in place a process to review data protection issues going forward.
‘Any school considering using CCTV cameras must justify their use and consider whether or not it is proportionate, necessary, and addresses a pressing need not addressed by other measures.’
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