Safer Schools: Audio-Video Surveillance

The Order of the Ministry of Education on audio-video monitoring in educational institutions was published in the Official Gazette, marking an important step towards strengthening security and protection in the school environment. The Minister of Education, Daniel David, welcomed the formalization of this initiative, emphasizing that "schools become safer also through this element". "As a minister, I have the responsibility to ensure that the educational act is carried out not only efficiently, but also in a context in which all actors feel safe and have a good quality of life. We are in the midst of analyzing educational policy proposals and at the beginning of reforms to make the educational act more efficient", the minister said.

• Why is a monitoring system necessary?

In the minister's opinion, although Romania rarely encounters aggressive behaviors in schools compared to other developed countries, their mere existence is unacceptable. Among the risks cited are physical or verbal violence, drug use and other antisocial behaviors, which endanger the educational process and the safety of students and teachers. Thus, the ministerial order is part of the series of preventive and intervention measures to combat these phenomena in the school environment.

• Strict rules for the use of cameras

According to the published document, schools must comply with the following obligations related to the use of audio-video systems: Recordings may be used exclusively for the investigation of cases of violence or for the protection of property and valuables; It is prohibited to use these recordings for the purpose of evaluating teachers or resolving complaints regarding student grades; Only closed-circuit systems may be used, without the possibility of accessing or configuring them from outside the school; Each educational unit must designate a person responsible for monitoring the system and a person responsible for the protection of personal data.

• Where can cameras be installed?

Audio-video systems can be installed in the following spaces: Classrooms; Halls, sports halls, celebration halls; Exterior of school buildings; Halls of dormitories or boarding schools.

It is strictly forbidden to install cameras in locker rooms and bathrooms, in order to protect the privacy of students and staff. Access to video recordings is only possible upon written, motivated and approved request by the school principal. This access is strictly limited to viewing and may be requested by: Parents/legal representatives of minor students; Adult students; School teachers and staff; Representatives of School Inspectorates, the Ministry of Education and the DGASPC; School psychologists or counselors.

The request must specify the period of time for which access is desired, and the recordings cannot be downloaded or distributed.

• A step towards a safer and more transparent educational environment

The implementation of audio-video surveillance systems in schools raises challenges related to the protection of privacy, but is seen by the authorities as an important tool in the prevention and management of risk situations. It remains to be seen how these measures will be implemented in practice, especially in rural schools, where resources are limited.