In the digital world, security and surveillance, both these words are in conflict with each other. One such case has recently emerged in India’s capital Delhi. According to media reports, Delhi government would allow parents to watch their kids via CCTV in schools.
Such a facility will be available in government schools only, where parents will use a smartphone app to monitor their kids in classes. The government move has also sparked debate as people are saying that such an attempt would violate the privacy.
People: Aadhar is a tool of surveillance by the govt to keep a check on citizens. Big brother is watching. Meri privacy, mera haq!
Same People: Excellent move by Delhi govt to install cameras in classrooms/schools. Buses aur sadkon pe kab lagayenge CCTV, BC!
— Makar SankRatty (@YearOfRat) 18 January 2018
Installation of CCTV in Schools for Monitoring of Kids
According to a Twitter statement by Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister, parents would have real-time access to their child studying in class via CCTV. While elaborating on the purpose, Kejriwal stated, that such a measure would make system transparent and accountable while ensuring the safety of kids. He also informed about checking the installation of CCTV in schools.
Reviewed the progress of installation of CCTV cameras in each class in all govt schools. Each parent will be given access to see his child studying in class on realtime basis on his phone. This will make the whole system transparent and accountable. It will ensure safety of kids
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) 17 January 2018
Social media users are coming up with some hilarious reactions. They are pondering over the issue of kids’ liberty to read Harry Potter or other favorite books rather than course books.
CCTV cameras cannot figure out which book you have on your desk. Little Meghnad’s in Delhi government schools can continue to place Famous Fives and Harry Potters on their desks. But if a teacher uses that book to beat up the child, this time it will be caught. 🙂 https://t.co/xUoh5Gfep7
— Akshay Marathe (@AkshayMarathe) 18 January 2018
Public figures are also comparing the CCTV installed classrooms with the camera powered big boss house.
Why does AAP want to lock school-kids in a giant Big Boss House under CCTV, with mummy-daddyji watching? It will drive parents nuts & kids nuttier. My take: https://t.co/pb5Tw9w4lg
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) 19 January 2018
Purpose of CCTV Monitoring
The apparent reason for using CCTV cameras for monitoring is to secure the children’s safety. Recently, Delhi schools have witnessed two gruesome incidents of child victimization.
In September, a body of the young boy was recovered from washroom of Ryan International School Gurgaon. The victim had received throat cuts. A few days later, reports emerged about the rape of five years old girl in a school in Delhi.
Should Parents Monitor their Kids in Schools?
The need for the safety of kids has increased than ever. The recent cases of child abuse in Kasur, Pakistan also stress upon the need for an advanced security system. CCTV cameras on roads have also helped law enforcement agencies to find clues for the culprit of Zainab, the victim of child abuse.
But the question is, should parents be allowed to supervise their kids in their classrooms. According to media reports, many people have criticized the Delhi government’s attempt to install CCTV in schools. They think that such a move would encourage child surveillance, while tempting parents to moral policing of their kids.
People are also pointing out to the danger of more problems if kids viewed CCTV as a threat to their privacy.
Installation of CCTV cameras in classes in govt schools in Delhi.
At first glance, looks good. But classroom for a student is like second home. Is such a surveillance good or bad? And, what about right to privacy of a child?
It might create more problems than it solves.
— Aditya Kumar Tiwari (@adityakt) 18 January 2018
