STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS ON CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION (CCTV) SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS AND SCHOOL SAFETY

Abstract

In the last decade, technology in education has brought CCTV technology to the Kenyan secondary
school education space. This study focused on secondary school students’ perception of CCTV
surveillance in public boarding secondary schools, using Igembe area Schools in Meru County, Kenya.
Using a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to examine: the perception of students
towards CCTV surveillance technology used in their schools. Data was collected from 200 students
through self-administered questionnaires. From the analysis, the study established Schools had embraced
CCTV surveillance as a measure of ensuring that students had a safe environment. The study established
that most students perceived CCTV surveillance cameras positively and the cameras were associated with
keeping the school safe. CCTV was perceived positively by principals, while students were more guarded
in their praise. Students expressed concerns over invasion of their privacy and bullying in the school. To
make schools safe , and equally address student human rights there should be a policy on the use of
CCTV surveillance cameras and prior sensitisation of all stakeholders.
Key words: CCTV, safe schools, technology adoption, human rights, surveillance.