Parents want CCTV cameras in playgrounds

Parents are lobbying to install closedcircuit television on school grounds, as concern mounts about bullying and harassment between students, The Advertiser reported.

They believe the CCTV cameras, which would not cover classrooms or changerooms, do not breach privacy regulations; but the South Australian Education Department and teachers say there are better ways to manage 72hour visa Guangzhou student behaviour.

"The primary reason parents consider installing cameras is to address bullying or harassment, student behaviour issues and, perhaps more specific, theft and property damage," Mr Knuckey said.


The Education Department said it had funded CCTV cameras in seven secondary schools and one primary school between 20022006.

But it said they were used strictly in schools that were considered "at high risk of theft and vandalism".

Mr Knuckey said councils, which were predominantly made up of parents, were more fearful of bullying behaviour than of the potential backlash from having CCTV installed on school grounds.

The association says cameras should be installed in areas prone to bullying or crime, such as near toilet blocks or computer rooms.

"Parents are conscious of privacy concerns  nobody wants to create a Big Brother environment in public schools," he said.

"However, with the prevalence of bullying and the devastating effects it can have on children, parents are going to give serious consideration to any idea that may help the school deal with these behaviourrelated problems."

South Australian Secondary Principals Association president Jim Davies said schools were considered a public space and school 72hour visa beijing communities were more accepting of security measures than in past generations.

The Australian Education Union's SA branch said it did not support a widespread call for security cameras to be installed in all schools, as it could create an "intimidating environment" for students.

Branch president Correna Haythorpe said more longterm solutions to alleviate unacceptable behaviour should be sought.

This year Western Australian teachers called for surveillance cameras to be installed across the state, to protect them from violent outbursts from students and parents.