From kindergarten to university, video surveillance is an integral part of security in the education system, with investment steadily growing over recent years. 

A study by Omdia estimated the market for physical security equipment in K-12 and higher education at $716 million in 2020, with K-12 schools accounting for around 56% of this total. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic alone, US schools invested over $360 million in physical security equipment.

With an annual expenditure on increasingly sophisticated surveillance technologies now surpassing $3.1 billion, balancing security with privacy becomes more critical. 

CCTV in elementary schools: managing sensitive children’s data

Elementary schools typically use surveillance at entry points and common areas to maintain a friendly school atmosphere. Schools can monitor who enters and leaves the building, prevent unauthorized access, and quickly respond to any incidents that occur in high-traffic zones. 

Given the particular sensitivity around children’s data, schools need to ensure proper measures are in place so collected video data is secure, properly managed, and not improperly shared. Budgets for handling these surveillance systems vary and often reflect the financial constraints and priorities of individual districts, with some being more restricted than others. However, there are increasingly more state-funded grants to help elementary schools implement and properly manage surveillance security systems. 

Logistical challenges: surveillance technologies in special education schools

Advocates for children with disabilities have long supported video surveillance in special education schools, citing instances where children have returned home with unexplained injuries or have been subjected to verbal abuse - as revealed by secret recordings made by concerned parents. However, special education schools can be particularly sensitive environments, and require more care and attention to how video is maintained.

In the last few years, there has been a particular focus on classrooms where non-verbal students received special education services. While the goal of protecting vulnerable students is universally supported, the financial, logistical, and transparency challenges pose significant hurdles.

In 2024, Senator Erin Grall introduced proposed legislation in Florida that would mandate cameras in self-contained classrooms in public and charter schools - unfortunately, it did not pass. In 2023, Nevada also reintroduced a bill requiring cameras in special education classrooms to protect nonverbal students. Despite the potential benefits of reducing litigation related to classroom incidents, the high costs led to the bill's failure to pass. 

However, there has been success in Alabama. In 2023, they introduced legislation - nicknamed “Tyler’s Law”- as part of a response to a young boy believed to be physically abused in his school in South Carolina. The law required cameras to be installed in special education classrooms and came with a $500,000 grant program to help schools implement them. Initiatives like these are proactive steps toward providing much-needed transparency and protection in special education settings. 

An important need for security: video surveillance in US high schools and colleges

High schools and colleges have expanded CCTV coverage across strategic locations throughout campuses, as they often face more complex security challenges. For most schools across the US, there is a need to reduce incidents like bullying, vandalism, and in more extreme cases, gun violence. The visible presence of cameras is often cited as enhancing safety and security among students, teachers, and parents.

In 2023, the Panel for Education Policy (PEP) approved a measure costing upwards of $43 million to provide New York City public schools with new security systems and video cameras to help tackle gun violence. 

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, the school board initiated plans to spend $763,000 to add AI to its CCTV system, allowing for retrospective video analysis (February 2024). The technology allows for increased zoom capabilities and storage capacity, perimeter defense, object analytics, motion detection, and the capability to directly alert school administration of a security breach. School administrators will be responsible for monitoring the new systems, with the support of the School Resource Officer. 

Utah has also invested in AI surveillance, with a $3 million contract for weapon detection systems in schools (2023). This meant all Utah schools interested in the program could apply to install these systems, with the grant offering up to four cameras per school. 

Colleges and universities are also making significant investments in surveillance technologies to address similar security concerns. 

University campuses typically have open environments where large numbers of teaching and support staff, students, and visitors can freely roam, which can pose significant security challenges, including physical assaults, theft of equipment, and potential terrorist threats. 

A 2021 Campus Safety Video Surveillance survey found that 94% of all respondents had video surveillance systems deployed. Many higher education institutions are also incorporating AI and advanced analytics into their surveillance strategies.

In fact, Georgia Southern University implemented an intelligent video surveillance system to record the license plate numbers of every car entering their parking lots. This system enables security personnel to search details such as car make and model, plate number and state, and even if a car has a temporary tag or none at all​. The Campus Safety Video Surveillance survey also reported that more than one in five colleges had purchased AI-based surveillance solutions in the past two years.

As higher education often has better access to funding and resources, this enables more investment in AI solutions to enhance campus safety and security. The older demographic of university students also mitigates some of the privacy concerns associated with younger children and gives institutions more freedom to experiment with more advanced technologies. 

Where’s the line? The safety vs. privacy debate

The debate over school surveillance is heating up: parents and administrators push for more cameras to boost safety, while students and privacy advocates worry that constant monitoring invades privacy and negatively impacts students’ mental health. Educators seem divided on the topic, with some supporting cameras for a safe learning environment and others worrying about creating an inhibitive atmosphere.

Business decision-makers in schools and universities are also weighing in, often emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. They recognize the importance of safeguarding students and staff while also being mindful of budget constraints, legal implications, and the potential impact on the institution's reputation. 

While cameras can deter misconduct and improve safety, their implementation must be responsibly managed to avoid creating an oppressive environment. 

A 2023 ACLU study found that extensive surveillance can negatively impact students' mental health and foster a sense of constant monitoring. These feelings of being watched can lead to heightened anxiety and less trust between students and school staff. This suggests that schools could consider prioritizing less invasive safety measures, such as mental health support and guidance counselors, to address the root causes of behavioral issues without infringing on privacy.

Though surveillance in schools is governed by data privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state-level regulations, there are still concerns these laws do not go far enough.  

Concerns about invasive surveillance methods are prompting further legislative action. For example, in 2023, New York banned facial recognition technology in schools, after reports that the risks of AI surveillance systems in schools outweighed the benefits. 

Notably, business leaders are increasingly considering the integration of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) to address these concerns and implement solutions that ensure safety without compromising individual privacy. 

Anonymization software can help protect individual identities by blurring or masking faces. These technologies allow schools to monitor activities without compromising student privacy and can be incorporated into current video maintenance protocols.

As the presence of cameras in schools is unlikely to end, finding ways to ensure they are used safely and ethically is essential. Robust policies that clearly define the scope of surveillance and an open dialogue with all stakeholders are crucial steps. Schools must continuously evaluate the effectiveness and impact of their surveillance practices to adapt to new challenges and technological advancements.

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