How to Make Schools Safer Without Excessive Surveillance?

After the major incident of the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado on April 20, 1999, the perception of schools as safe spaces was shattered. Even today, school safety is one of the most pressing concerns in the U.S., and the numbers are hard to ignore. 

Many schools have turned to widespread surveillance systems, hoping to stop potential threats before they happen. However, installing more cameras or monitoring tools often leaves students feeling watched, anxious, and less connected to their school environment. The challenge lies in protecting students and staff without turning schools into high-security zones. 

This article looks at practical, balanced strategies that improve campus safety while respecting the everyday flow of learning. It’s time to rethink what safety looks like without going too far.

Why is School Safety a Major Concern in the United States?

School is supposed to be a safe space where students can focus on learning, growing, and building a future. However, in recent years, the reality for many students and teachers across the United States has been far from that ideal. The rise in school violence, bullying, mental health struggles, and even day-to-day safety risks has made school safety a national concern. It affects not just students but teachers, staff, parents, and entire communities.

Let’s look at the data -

• According to the U.S. Department of Education, public schools reported more than 857,000 violent incidents, like fights, threats, physical attacks, and assaults—some involving weapons. Around 70% of schools reported at least one violent incident that year, nearly three out of every four schools.
• Bullying remains a serious problem. Nearly 1 in 5 students reported being bullied, while over 54% said they faced cyberbullying through social media, messaging apps, or gaming platforms. These experiences often lead to absenteeism, declining grades, and long-term mental health issues.
• Even teachers and staff are not safe, experiencing verbal or physical threats from students or parents. Safety concerns and burnout drive many to leave the profession, worsening teacher shortages.
• Further, the threat of school shootings is rising at an alarming rate. In 2023, the number of incidents hit a record high. By 2024, there were already 332 shooting incidents in K–12 schools, resulting in over 260 injuries and deaths. Tragedies like Uvalde and Parkland remain vivid, but the threat continues to grow.
• Student mental health is another pressing concern, with 42% of high schoolers feeling persistently sad or hopeless. Among girls, this rises to 57% and alarmingly, 22% of students have seriously considered suicide.

Beyond these issues, schools face risks in everyday situations—hallway fights, drug use, theft, and poorly maintained buildings. The risks are even higher in low-income or underserved areas due to inadequate resources, understaffed schools, or outdated safety protocols.

The Problem with Excessive Surveillance

While school surveillance is often introduced in the name of safety, excessive monitoring has serious downsides, especially when it comes to trust, mental health, and equity.

Surveillance Undermines Trust and Well-being

Recent studies show that increased surveillance in schools; especially cameras inside buildings—can make students feel less safe and supported. Rather than building a nurturing environment, over-monitoring creates a sense of suspicion and control. This can feel suffocating for many students, especially teens who are still figuring out who they are.

In fact, in one study, six in ten students said they feel uncomfortable expressing their true thoughts or feelings online when they know they’re being monitored. This "chilling effect" suppresses critical exploration, learning, and help-seeking behaviours—especially in adolescence, a time when identity formation and emotional development are essential.

Impacts on Student Mental Health and Learning

Exploration and self-discovery are essential parts of learning. However, constant monitoring—especially 24/7 surveillance of online behavior—can stop students from asking questions, exploring personal topics, or even researching sensitive issues like relationships, gender identity, or mental health. This stifled growth can seriously impact their mental well-being.

For minors, who already have limited agency, surveillance means they often don’t have any truly private space, online or offline. That kind of restriction can be emotionally damaging and deeply isolating.

Disproportionate Effects on Marginalized Communities

Importantly, the burden of surveillance is not distributed equally and falls heaviest on minority, low-income, and marginalized students. Research shows that:

• Disciplinary actions are disproportionately applied to Black and brown students, further amplifying systemic inequities.
• Economically disadvantaged students who rely on school-issued devices are often subject to more extensive monitoring than peers with access to private technology.
• LGBTQ+ students or those exploring personal identity may avoid researching vital topics out of fear of being watched.

These patterns may unintentionally reinforce the very inequalities schools already present in education—and feed into systems like the school-to-prison pipeline.

The Limits of Physical Security Guards

• Limited Coverage and Response Time

Guards can’t be everywhere at once, and response times can be too slow in fast-moving situations. The tragedy in Uvalde is a painful example of this.

• Risk of Escalation or Misjudgment

The risk is higher, especially when armed officers respond to situations involving young students—further creating tension rather than safety.

• Strained Relationships with Students

Many districts also report strained relationships between students and security staff, particularly among students from minority communities—making the school feel less welcoming and more like a high-surveillance zone. 

• High Cost with Mixed Results

For example, in Texas alone, with hundreds of public and charter school districts, staffing each with a qualified officer is nearly impossible given national shortages and the high cost—$80,000 to $100,000 per officer per year. Even then, the results are mixed.

What Are the Key Security Systems Schools Should Consider?

Security is important, but it can’t be one-size-fits-all. Schools need multiple layers of support—mental health resources, clear communication, and smart policies—to truly help students feel safe and supported every day.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems are one of the most effective ways to manage school safety without turning campuses into high-surveillance zones. These systems help schools control and monitor who enters and exits, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access. Options like - 

• ID card readers allow students, staff, and faculty to move through campus while restricting certain areas.
• Biometric systems (fingerprint or facial recognition) go a step further by verifying identity through unique physical traits, reducing the risk of lost or stolen cards.
• Visitor management systems require guests to check in, wear badges, and log their visit details, making it easier to track who is on campus and why. 
• Vestibule areas with buzzers and intercoms allow front office staff to verify visitors before letting them in, adding a checkpoint without creating a sense of fear.
• Real-time monitoring also helps in emergencies, providing quick information on who’s inside the building. 

These systems don’t just keep intruders out—they also prevent students from leaving without permission. In high-traffic areas like libraries or staff rooms, these systems help manage movement and crowding. Together, these features create safer school environments with smarter, more respectful safety measures.

Video Surveillance System

Video surveillance plays a key role in helping schools stay alert, aware, and ready to act. While alarms and access control help keep threats out, cameras give real-time visibility into what’s happening across campus—without being overly intrusive.

Studies show that schools using video surveillance have seen up to a 35% drop in vandalism and property damage within a year. Placing cameras in high-traffic and sensitive spots like hallways, labs, cafeterias, faculty rooms, and server spaces—helps monitor activities and provides evidence when reviewing incidents.

Modern HD cameras now capture clear details like faces, license plates, and movements—even in low light. Many are equipped with AI features that detect weapons or unusual behaviour, sending instant alerts to staff and law enforcement for faster response.

For outdoor protection, clear signage and well-placed School security cameras near bike racks, entrances, and open areas can discourage theft and trespassing. Based on space and visibility needs, schools can choose from bullet, dome, or PTZ camera types.

With remote access and motion-triggered recording, video management systems let school administrators monitor safely and act quickly—making video surveillance a powerful part of any school safety plan.

Emergency Management System

In an emergency (medical issue, intruder alert, fire, or weather-related incident), timely communication and swift action are vital. For schools, colleges, and universities, integrating a strong emergency management system is key to maintaining safety across large, dynamic campuses. Key components include:

• Emergency Intercoms & Panic Buttons: Strategically installed intercoms and panic buttons allow students or staff to report threats or ask for help immediately. Quick alerts can significantly reduce response times and prevent escalation.
• Mass Notification Systems: Automated alerts via loudspeakers, text messages, or app notifications help communicate instructions during lockdowns, evacuations, or shelter-in-place events. Messages must be fast, clear, and campus-wide.
• Perimeter Detection Systems: Motion sensors and intrusion alerts placed at entry points or around the campus perimeter notify security teams if someone tries to enter unauthorized areas.
• Centralized Control Platform: A unified dashboard connects all emergency tools—intercoms, alerts, cameras, and sensors—allowing school administrators to monitor, coordinate, and respond instantly from one place.

Together, these tools strengthen campus security while making it easier to manage & coordinate in critical situations, ensuring that every second counts when it matters most.

Fire and Environmental Safety Systems

A reliable fire system with smoke detectors, heat sensors, and automated alarms—helps trigger fast evacuations and emergency response without delay. Regular checks and maintenance keep these systems dependable and reduce the chances of false alarms interrupting the school day.

But safety isn’t just about fire; indoor air quality matters, too. Smart air sensors and vape detectors are now commonly used in restrooms and other shared areas. These devices alert staff instantly if there’s smoke, vaping, or a drop in air quality—giving them time to step in before things get worse.

When connected with video surveillance or alert systems, these tools offer a full view of what’s happening, helping schools act faster and more accurately.

Proactive, Non-Invasive Ways to Improve School Safety

1. Mental Health Support – Counseling, wellness checks, safe spaces

Mental health is just as important as physical safety in schools, and after the pandemic, the demand for structured support systems has grown stronger. 

• Regular access to trained counselors, on-campus wellness checks, and private spaces where students feel safe to talk are now essential parts of a school’s support system.
• Counselors and mental health staff should work closely with teachers, nurses, and administrators to identify early signs of distress and guide students toward the right help.
• Peer support programs also play a key role in creating a sense of belonging through shared understanding.

It’s not about over-monitoring—it’s about being present, approachable, and ready to respond. A calm, respectful environment where students know help is available makes all the difference in keeping school communities mentally strong.

2. Staff Training – Recognizing early warning signs, de-escalation

School staff play a key role in identifying and responding to potential risks.

• Regular training helps them spot early warning signs such as sudden mood changes, social withdrawal, or aggressive behaviour—signs that often appear before a situation escalates.
• Equipping staff with basic de-escalation techniques is equally important. Calm communication, body language awareness, and non-confrontational approaches can help manage tense situations before they grow into serious incidents.
• Training should be practical, easy to apply, and repeated regularly. Quick-response protocols, real-life scenarios, and clear reporting systems give staff the confidence to act when something feels off.

With proper knowledge and tools, teachers and staff become the first line of support—responding early, defusing conflict, and keeping students safe.

3. Student Involvement – Peer reporting systems, leadership in safety efforts

Students are often the first to notice early signs of issues among peers, making their involvement in school safety critical.

• Establishing clear and confidential peer reporting systems, whether through suggestion boxes, apps, or school websites, allows them to share concerns about bullying, threats, or unusual behaviour without fear.
• Further, giving students leadership roles in school safety clubs or committees gives them a voice in shaping safety policies and spreading awareness. These student-led groups can support communication, share tips through school media, and act as a bridge between students and staff.

When students participate in safety efforts, they help protect their community while learning responsibility and leadership. Involving them directly builds a culture where everyone plays a part in keeping the school safe and alert.

4. Community Engagement – Parent partnerships, local law enforcement liaisons

Safety in schools is stronger when built on shared responsibility.

• Partnering with local law enforcement helps schools establish clear protocols, improve emergency response, and conduct joint safety drills. Having these connections before a crisis allows for faster, more coordinated action when needed most.
• School Resource Officers (SROs) also play a key role as security figures and approachable resources who build trust with students and staff.
• Parent involvement is just as important. Regular communication, safety briefings, and opportunities for parents to participate in committees or drills keep families informed and engaged.

When schools, parents, and law enforcement stay connected, it creates a more prepared and supportive safety network for everyone on campus.

Focus on Creating a Culture of Safety, Not Surveillance/Conclusion

Keeping students safe shouldn’t come at the cost of their dignity, privacy, or trust. Students need to feel supported, not watched. That means schools should shift focus from surveillance to stronger relationships and support systems. A more effective and equitable approach includes:

• Hiring more trained school counselors and mental health professionals
• Implementing meaningful anti-bullying programs rooted in accountability & healing
• Updating the school's physical infrastructure to enhance safety without turning them into high-surveillance zones
• Creating space for honest, open conversations between students and teachers

Students are more likely to show up, speak up, and grow into confident individuals when they feel to be themselves, respected, and supported. Creating a safe school environment means more than installing cameras—it's about making students feel seen, heard, and valued.