MUNICIPAL councillors have called for the installation of surveillance cameras at school gates, on walls and in buses to keep an eye on brawling children.
These will also help in preventing innocent students from falling prey to bullies and prowling paedophiles outside the educational premises.
The demand follows reports of a spate of brawls and fights between the students before they enter the school, and at the end of the day.
The proposal, spearheaded by Northern Municipal Council technical committee chairman Abdulla Al Qobaisi, was approved unanimously during the council’s meeting yesterday at its headquarters in Budaiya.
It also obliges the Education Ministry to order the transport companies to provide a supervisor in each bus to control unruly students, and ensure that all the children leave the bus safety at their designated stops.
“The presence of surveillance cameras, even if they are not on, will act as a deterrent, forcing students to behave themselves and making predators wary,” Mr Al Qobaisi told colleagues during the meeting.
“Policemen or school security guards can’t do everything and despite their utmost efforts they can’t follow up on every brawl, fight or bullying case outside the school gates.
“It is even more complicated when an angry parent, paedophiles or bullies from the neighbourhood wait to prey on unsuspecting students.
“But with the help of surveillance cameras at gates or on school walls, the school administration or law enforcement officers can act swiftly before any harm or damage can occur.”
The councillor added that most fights or brawls occur between students on the bus after the school day.
“We witness multiple incidents on a daily basis after school as students board the bus in which schoolchildren bash each other with hardcover books, stab each other with geometry stationery or pens or anything they may have with them,” said Mr Al Qobaisi.
“Punches are exchanged and martial arts kicks are also used; it starts with one and spreads.
“The bus driver just doesn’t care and drives normally as if he is wearing ear plugs.
“That’s why surveillance cameras are also needed in buses, along with a supervisor.”
Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie questioned if cameras were also needed within the campus and inside classrooms.
“If that can ensure students’ safety, why not?” said Mr Al Qobaisi.
“Some private schools already do it, so why not government schools?
“In the end there is a clear recording available of those concerned on any wrongdoing that could be acted on with the necessary measures.”
The proposal will now be reviewed by Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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