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Hundreds of schools using CCTV cameras in toilets and changing rooms

Shocking new research reveals that 100,000 cameras are being used to spy on school pupils, with hundreds being used in children’s toilets and changing rooms.

As a report by Big Brother Watch reveals the extent of school surveillance, the watchdog questions what the footage is being used for and warns that children’s privacy could be being exploited without their parents’ knowledge.

The report of 2,000 schools across the UK found that 90% of all schools and academies are using CCTV, with 200 schools using over 800 cameras to spy on kids in changing rooms and toilets.

Whilst schools have hit back saying that surveillance is needed in all common areas to keep students safe and prevent bullying, the watchdog urged more schools to ‘come clean’ about why they’re using the cameras.

Nick Pickles, director of Big Brother Watch, said: "This research raises serious questions about the privacy of schoolchildren across Britain, with some schools having one camera for every five pupils and hundreds of schools using cameras in toilets and changing rooms.

"The full extent of school surveillance is far higher than we had expected and will come as a shock to many parents.”

Whilst the average school has one camera for every 38 pupils – with just under half being used inside rather than outside school buildings – many have one camera for every 15 pupils and some use one camera for every five pupils.

Whilst it’s no surprise that Big Brother is watching most of us and that CCTV can help keep us safe – are you shocked to learn that kids are being watched in places like changing rooms?

Are you worried that children may be being exploited? Or do you think CCTV across the entire school is needed?