Schools’ safety tools are spying on kids — even at home

A recent study conducted in San Diego has revealed that 86% of school safety companies are constantly monitoring students, even on their personal devices outside of school hours. This practice raises significant privacy concerns as it allows these companies to access and track students' online activities, including their behavior and communication, both within and outside the school environment. The study highlights the growing trend of schools adopting various safety tools and technologies, such as web filters, monitoring software, and surveillance cameras, in an effort to enhance school safety. However, the extent to which these tools are being used to monitor students' personal lives has raised alarm bells among privacy advocates. Experts warn that this level of surveillance can have a profound impact on students' privacy, freedom of expression, and overall well-being. The study calls for a more transparent and balanced approach to school safety, one that prioritizes student privacy and empowers them to navigate the digital world responsibly.