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Cameras monitor students' safety in schools

Dubai - The school's safety programme for primary children - 'Yell, Run, and Tell' - trains students to recognise stalkers.

Many schools in the UAE have installed CCTV cameras on campus and school buses. In some cases, schools have employed health and safety officers, and a security team. However, schools do not endorse installing cameras inside the classrooms, considering that it could intimidate the teachers and disturb the learning environment.
For example, the Dubai British School has installed CCTV cameras throughout the school, and has a tight security team. Simon Jodrell, head of primary at Dubai British School, who is an expert in this matter, said: "We also issue photo identification cards for parents when they visit the school campus. Also, all visitors have to have a have an identification badge while they are touring the school."
Amanda J. Holt, parent relation officer at the school, said: "We have installed several CCTV cameras around the perimeter of the campus. When visitors come to tour the school, they need to handover a photo ID for a visitors badge and have to sign at the security gate before entering the school."
The comprehensive programme was put into place last year, according to Holt.
The school's safety programme for primary children - 'Yell, Run, and Tell' - trains students to recognise stalkers. "We tell kids that these stalkers can be male (or) female, and young, and they can appear to be polite and well meaning. Kids are told never to accept gifts or sweets and never go off on their own," added Jodrell.
The students are also taught the concept of 'Safe Strangers' - like police officers, other parents, teachers, and staff - who can protect the child from harm. Jodrell added that children must be taught to trust their instincts.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com