March 16, 2007
Can Security Cameras Curtail Bullying?
Scottish school officials have decided that CCTV systems aboard school buses may be the most effective way to prevent the rampant bullying problem that currently plagues the bus system. 22 out of 30 - that's nearly 3/4 - of Scottish school districts have reported that bullying on school buses is a significant problem. Bus attendants don't have much authority, they say, making buses a hotbed for bullying and unfair treatment. This is the first time that bullying has been targeted beyond school grounds, and parents and anti-bullying groups hope that this extra security will help prevent bullying and help identify abusive children.
One of the most debated features of video surveillance has been its ability to prevent people from committing crimes. Proponents say that visible cameras act as a psychological deterrent to crime by reminding the potential criminal of the consequences of crime. Others say that video surveillance can't prevent crime - it can only help subdue the criminal.
The bully issue currently plaguing Scottish schools is illustrative of this. School officials and parents hope that the installation of surveillance cameras on buses will reduce bullying by reminding bullies of the that they are being watched - and could be caught. If bullying does decrease, this example could be used as a strong argument for the idea that cameras are a psychological deterrent. If bullying does not decrease? Well, footage can be reviewed and bullies identified, but this would mean that video surveillance is an ineffective solution. Consistent bullying and other behavioral problems are not things that can be easily solved by security cameras.
Posted by Jennifer on March 16, 2007 4:21 PM | Comments (0)
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