MPs yesterday unanimously approved an urgent proposal calling for stricter oversight of school buses transporting children to public and private schools.
The move, submitted by five MPs, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen, requires the installation of surveillance cameras on all buses and the assignment of an attendant to ensure students travel safely and disembark on arrival.
The measure has been formally referred to the Cabinet for review.
Dr Al Dhaen said the proposal was driven by recent concerns from parents and educators regarding student safety during daily school commutes.
“School transportation is not simply a vehicle journey – it is an extension of the educational environment and, therefore, it must meet the highest standards of safety, discipline and care,” she emphasised during the session.
She warned that negligence in student supervision inside buses has led to serious incidents in several countries, ranging from children being forgotten inside vehicles to behavioural violations or unsafe actions by drivers and supervisors. A child recently died in Bahrain after being left onboard a vehicle belonging to an unregistered driver.
“We cannot wait for another tragedy to happen before we act. Installing surveillance cameras is a preventive measure that ensures transparency, accountability and immediate detection of any wrongdoing or emergency,” Dr Al Dhaen said.
The MPs’ explanatory memorandum highlighted that cameras would not only help monitor student behaviour but would also assist authorities in accurately determining responsibility in the event of complaints or accidents.
Dr Al Dhaen stressed that such measures would foster a more disciplined environment for students, drivers and attendants alike. “The presence of cameras promotes mutual respect, reduces violations and reassures parents that their children’s safety is being taken seriously,” she added.
Equally central to the proposal is the requirement for an attendant to be present on each school bus. Dr Al Dhaen described this as a ‘vital safety layer’ that ensures no child is left behind and that boarding and drop-off procedures are carried out correctly.
She noted that attendants also play a crucial role in managing seating, maintaining order and responding to behavioural or medical emergencies. “A camera can document events, but an attendant can prevent them – both are essential to building a complete safety system,” she stated.
The proposal further calls for a uniformed approach across all public and private schools, ensuring that every child receives the same level of protection regardless of the institution they attend. Dr Al Dhaen said the move aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to strengthening the quality and safety of educational services in accordance with international child protection standards.
“Every student in Bahrain deserves equal protection – no exceptions, no compromises. This proposal reflects our duty to safeguard the lives of our children and to provide parents with peace of mind,” she said.
With unanimous parliamentary support, the urgent proposal now awaits Cabinet evaluation, where regulatory and operational details – including implementation timeframes and oversight mechanisms - are expected to be examined.
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