To: Dr. Michael Kirst
Dr. Kirst: Help Prevent School Bullying
We are proposing that cameras be installed in classrooms and on elementary school campuses throughout California. With evolving technology, security cameras are able to capture both video and audio feed, so no one will be left guessing about who the aggressor is and the number of students who are being targeted. As children are being bullied and victimized by their fellow students, and in some cases teachers and school employees, no person can keep constant watch. As classrooms grow larger, and staff numbers decrease, security cameras within the schools provide the additional sets of eyes that are needed to help protect children while in school.
Why is this important?
Dear Dr. Michael Kirst,
Many of us send our children to school every day with the hope that they will be in a safe and secure environment. We send them to school thinking that the best for them is waiting behind school doors, but what if it wasn’t? Sometimes, outgoing and happy children come home feeling sad, irritated, and miserable. And, they tell their parents that they don’t want to go to school anymore and won’t say why. Parents are left guessing what is going on? Indeed, children who fear going to school maybe reacting to being bullied at school.
There are several reasons why children get bullied. Sometimes, children are victims of bullying because they are smart and dedicated to their schoolwork. Other times children get bullied because of their personal appearances (too skinny, overweight, and obese). There is also bullying due to racism. Minority children who speak very little English are targeted as well. Some children even end up committing suicide due to bullying that wasn’t able to be stopped. As concerned parents we would like to know why our child is frightened and refuses to go to school.
We are proposing that cameras be installed in classrooms and on elementary school campuses throughout California. With evolving technology, security cameras are able to capture both video and audio feed, so no one will be left guessing about who the aggressor is and the number of students who are being targeted. As children are being bullied and victimized by their fellow students, and in some cases teachers and school employees, no person can keep constant watch. As classrooms grow larger, and staff numbers decrease, security cameras within the schools provide the additional sets of eyes that are needed to help protect children while in school.
According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in elementary schools, twice as many ethnic minorities report being bullied because of their ethnicity. While video cameras cannot stop the racism that a person holds inside, these cameras will hold students accountable for their bullying actions. When non-English speaking students are harassed or bullied, they will not have to rely solely on translators to relay the story of what has occurred. These cameras will be the eyes and the ears of the school. These cameras will provide an accurate translation of day’s events, and provide comfort and solace to students and parents who most likely are the victims of school bullying.
While no amount of video surveillance can prevent every instance of bullying and harassment in schools, providing these cameras in schools will be a monumental step towards significantly decreasing the harassment and violence that does occur in schools. This is an opportunity for California schools to provide a safer environment and enhance the educational experience for students, educators, and administrators.
Sincerely,
Alivia, Lindsay, Margot, Kristy and Jessica
Many of us send our children to school every day with the hope that they will be in a safe and secure environment. We send them to school thinking that the best for them is waiting behind school doors, but what if it wasn’t? Sometimes, outgoing and happy children come home feeling sad, irritated, and miserable. And, they tell their parents that they don’t want to go to school anymore and won’t say why. Parents are left guessing what is going on? Indeed, children who fear going to school maybe reacting to being bullied at school.
There are several reasons why children get bullied. Sometimes, children are victims of bullying because they are smart and dedicated to their schoolwork. Other times children get bullied because of their personal appearances (too skinny, overweight, and obese). There is also bullying due to racism. Minority children who speak very little English are targeted as well. Some children even end up committing suicide due to bullying that wasn’t able to be stopped. As concerned parents we would like to know why our child is frightened and refuses to go to school.
We are proposing that cameras be installed in classrooms and on elementary school campuses throughout California. With evolving technology, security cameras are able to capture both video and audio feed, so no one will be left guessing about who the aggressor is and the number of students who are being targeted. As children are being bullied and victimized by their fellow students, and in some cases teachers and school employees, no person can keep constant watch. As classrooms grow larger, and staff numbers decrease, security cameras within the schools provide the additional sets of eyes that are needed to help protect children while in school.
According the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in elementary schools, twice as many ethnic minorities report being bullied because of their ethnicity. While video cameras cannot stop the racism that a person holds inside, these cameras will hold students accountable for their bullying actions. When non-English speaking students are harassed or bullied, they will not have to rely solely on translators to relay the story of what has occurred. These cameras will be the eyes and the ears of the school. These cameras will provide an accurate translation of day’s events, and provide comfort and solace to students and parents who most likely are the victims of school bullying.
While no amount of video surveillance can prevent every instance of bullying and harassment in schools, providing these cameras in schools will be a monumental step towards significantly decreasing the harassment and violence that does occur in schools. This is an opportunity for California schools to provide a safer environment and enhance the educational experience for students, educators, and administrators.
Sincerely,
Alivia, Lindsay, Margot, Kristy and Jessica