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Secondary School Defends Putting CCTV Cameras In Pupils’ Toilets

Secondary School Defends Putting CCTV Cameras In Pupils’ Toilets

One pupil told his mum he felt 'awkward' using the toilets after spotting the cameras

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A school has defended its use of CCTV cameras inside the pupils' toilets after one parent branded it 'creepy'.

One parent said she was shocked when her son came home from Cullompton Community College in Devon and showed her a photograph of a security camera inside the boys' toilets.

The school has reassured parents and pupils that the cameras do not cover the urinals or inside the cubicles.

But the pupil told his mum he still feels 'awkward' about using the loos now.

BPM Media

The mum, who didn't want to be named, said: "My son says he doesn't feel comfortable with them being in the toilets. He doesn't know who watches it, or for what reason, and that makes him feel really awkward about using the toilets now.

"I can't really blame him. I certainly wouldn't use a toilet with a camera in the same room.

"It's beyond disturbing. I appreciate the school will say it's to stop vandalism or bullying, but this is just creepy, not to mention completely unnecessary over the urinals.

"If the cameras aren't in the cubicles then there's nothing to stop that going on in them, making the cameras completely pointless anyway.

"There's enough dodgy stories coming out of schools without them installing CCTV in the children's toilets too. Surely there has to be a better option?

"I haven't spoken to the school as I don't want them to take my concerns out on my son."

BPM Media

The school has said the cameras have been in place for more than a decade and are in-keeping with regulations.

Tracey Ward, the school's business manager, said: "I can confirm that there are CCTV cameras installed in the school toilets here at CCC, as there are in many schools.

"The first installation within our toilets - over 10 years ago - was a result of requests for them via Student Voice, and there was a consultation with students, staff and governors to agree the installation.

"Safeguarding our staff and students is priority, all our CCTV cameras are visible, meet regulations and are installed and maintained by a SSAIB approved installer.

"The cameras that are installed in our toilets do not cover the urinal area or the inside of cubicles.

"Those areas are blanked out of the field of vision on installation and if the parent had approached the school their concerns could have been addressed immediately."

Featured Image Credit: BPM Media

Topics: UK News