TEACHERS are alarmed that surveillance cameras are being fitted in NSW classrooms, citing privacy concerns and fears of misuse.
Some schools already have closed-circuit television cameras in outdoor areas, including playgrounds, but more are eager to install them inside classrooms and corridors.
NSW Teachers Federation senior vice-president Bob Lipscombe said a growing number of teachers had spoken out in recent months, worried that the footage could be used inappropriately and that they would be filmed throughout their working day.
"They are concerned about its improper use and that it may be taken out of context," Mr Lipscombe said.
An increasing number of schools are keen to install the video surveillance, particularly around computer rooms, in an attempt to protect expensive equipment.
With many different subjects being taught in the computer rooms throughout the school day, the installation of security cameras is an issue that could potentially affect many teachers, Mr Lipscombe said.
"It could be an English lesson using the web," he said.
Some schools favour a CCTV system as cheaper than securing a room with bars and an alarm
Mr Lipscombe said the privacy of students in the rooms was another consideration.
One solution could be to run a camera system that switches on only after hours or when the rooms are unattended.
He said the federation was not against the use of CCTV systems as long as they were used appropriately and with proper consent.
More than 50 schools already have some type of camera surveillance in place, NSW Department of Education figures show.
"Not all schools are suitable for CCTV cameras, due to the size and physical layout of the school," a department spokesman said.
"Where this and legal or privacy issues are raised, a school is recommended to use another effective security measure or a combination of measures."
The spokesman said: "The footage from CCTV cameras is confidential and is released to the police to help with their investigations in the case of criminal activity impacting on the school."
Teachers have also expressed concern about an increasing tendency for students to film them using mobile phones and posting the footage on interactive websites.
Source: The Sun-Herald
Installations of closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras into schools in the Australian state of New South Wales has alarmed teachers.
Quevaal
Over 50 schools in New South Wales already have surveillance cameras in playgrounds and outside dining areas. The concern from teachers arises from the pending installation of further cameras inside classrooms and also corridors.

Teachers have expressed concerns about privacy and misuse of the equipment. Senior vice-president of the New South Wales Teachers Federation, Bob Lipscombe, said that teachers are worried about the footage being used improperly, as well as the fact that both teachers and students would be filmed at work by the cameras.

The increase in security cameras being used in schools is an attempt to protect valuable schooling equipment from theft and damage, in particular computers in computer rooms. Lipscombe said that installations in computer rooms will potentially affect many teachers, as all subjects can be taught with the integration of technology.

CCTV surveillance is preferred by some schools over fitting alarm systems and physical bars on entrances to the room, as it is cheaper to install.

Lipscombe said that the Teachers Federation isn't against CCTV systems provided they are operated properly and with appropriate consent. A solution proposed is to only have the surveillance system record during times when the room is unattended.

A spokesperson for the New South Wales Department of Education and Training has said that the footage obtained is confidential and used to assist police in investigating criminal activity.