A report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) states that technology surveillance companies targeting schools to enhance student safety are inadvertently creating a “digital dystopia” that negatively impacts children’s trust and mental well-being. Valued at $3.1 billion, this industry promotes tools like online activity tracking, facial recognition, and cameras as measures to prevent bullying, self-harm, and school shootings. However, the ACLU argues that no substantial evidence exists to support these claims.
Citing research and conclusions from the Department of Justice, the ACLU found a “lack of clear evidence” that educational technology (EdTech) surveillance products truly ensure student safety. Chad Marlow, the ACLU’s senior policy counsel and key report author, emphasized the significant marketing power of EdTech surveillance companies. He stated that these companies have generated enormous demand for their products through fear-based tactics, while ultimately failing to protect children and eroding trust between students and educators.
The ACLU drew attention to the fact that eight out of the ten deadliest school shootings in the last two decades occurred in buildings equipped with cameras. Moreover, the Secret Service has stated that social media monitoring has played only a minor role in preventing mass shootings.
A survey conducted by the ACLU revealed that one-third of 14- to 18-year-olds “always feel like I’m being watched” due to surveillance technology. Fifteen percent of respondents felt “exposed” by the monitoring, 14 percent experienced anxiety, and 13 percent felt paranoid. Additionally, 27 percent expressed concern about how surveillance might be used for disciplinary purposes, and 22 percent worried about schools sharing information with law enforcement.
As a solution, the ACLU recommends that schools do not let fear dictate decision-making, urging education officials to collaborate with the community to assess the costs and benefits of implementing surveillance tools.
The ACLU aims to pass legislation that requires schools to purchase surveillance technology only if it can provide verifiable evidence of being more helpful than harmful to students.
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