Why We Should Have More Security Cameras in Schools

By: Sixth Grade Students at IS 462K

In our sixth grade law class, we have been looking at city council issues. One of the issues we are looking at is whether New York City Schools should have security cameras. After looking at both sides of the issue, we have decided that security cameras would make our schools safer. Here are some reasons why.

Many schools have a lot of problems, such as robbery, vandalism, and abuse. Kids are often scared to go to school or be in the halls because of this. Having cameras will give a better view of what goes on in school. If there were cameras in the schools, many of the people doing these things will be caught, and the problems would not be as bad. Also, if people know that the cameras are there, they might not even do the crimes in the first place.

We read studies of cameras in schools in many places in the country. The Biloxi, Mississippi School district has installed 806 cameras, and Fresno, California has installed many of them as well. The students and the teachers like the cameras, because it makes the schools safer. If the students and the teachers feel safer, everybody will have an easier time doing what needs to be done in school: learning, and not worrying about being robbed or abused.

There are people who think that the cameras will cost too much money. We all know that schools do not have a lot of extra money to spend, but if the cameras make everyone feel safer and they get more done in school, it is worth it. Our safety officers can’t be everywhere at every moment. Security cameras can help see what’s going on, and will make their jobs easier. Also, the money that goes to cleaning up spray paint and broken glass can used towards buying new books and classroom supplies.

New York City is considering putting cameras at the entrances and exits to our schools. This is a good start, so they can see who is coming and going into the schools. If there are security cameras in schools, kids will feel safer about going to school. If the kids feel safe, parents will be happier. And if the kids feel safe, they will get more done in school, which will make the teachers happier. It is worth the money!

Other people say that cameras invade your privacy. We know that there are some places you shouldn’t put cameras, like the bathrooms. But if there are cameras in the halls and in some classes, the security officers will have less to worry about, and they can do their jobs better. With cameras, less kids will cut classes and skip school.