RIYADH: Teachers at a private school for girls have voiced their concern over cameras that have been installed in corridors and classrooms, purportedly as a measure against violence by teachers on pupils and vice versa. The Riyadh school, which is owned by a former official from the Ministry of Education, has informed parents of the move and claims that recordings will be erased, but teachers are concerned over possible misuse as well as the legality of the measure. “What if there's a problem with the cameras or the main screen? How can they be sure that recordings won't fall into the hands of the repair man?” asked one teacher. Another said that she had been employed at the school for several years and had not heard of a “single violent incident which would call for such a measure”. “I know of other schools that have had incidents of violence and still haven't felt forced to put in cameras,” she said. The school principal said the cameras were introduced to monitor “the educational process and the behavior of teachers and pupils”. “I am the only person authorized to view them and hear teachers and pupils in the classroom and speak to teachers about any mishaps,” she said. “The camera suppliers have been ordered to erase the final recordings and no male member of staff will see them. This method has had a considerable effect in improving standards of both teachers and pupils.” Muhammad Al-Amran, head of Riyadh Girls' Education, however, was unequivocal. “Ministry regulations do not permit the use of these methods,” he said. “This goes against instructions and the ministry does not approve.” Al-Amran added that schools are “educational institutions whose work is based on mutual trust between everyone involved in the education process”. “It does not require cameras or any other equipment that makes students or staff feel that they are being watched,” he said.
