Student Rights

A high school in Poznań has come under fire after it was revealed that surveillance cameras had been installed in student restrooms, raising serious concerns about privacy violations and student rights. The controversy has ignited a heated debate among parents, students, and legal experts over where to draw the line between school security and personal privacy.

Why Were Cameras Installed?

The administration of XII High School in Poznań defended the decision, stating that the cameras were put in place as a response to acts of vandalism and destruction of school property. School officials argued that they had been struggling with students damaging sinks, breaking mirrors, and engaging in other forms of misconduct in the bathrooms.

Vice Principal Małgorzata Jankowska insisted that the cameras were only monitoring the sink areas, claiming that they did not capture footage of urinals or toilet stalls. According to Jankowska, the goal was to deter further acts of vandalism, not to infringe on students’ privacy. However, this explanation has done little to quell the outrage.

Students and Parents Speak Out

Despite the school’s justification, many students and parents have expressed deep discomfort and frustration over the situation. Some students reported feeling anxious and violated, unsure whether the cameras might have recorded more than just the sink areas.

Parents, too, have voiced their concerns. One parent, speaking anonymously, stated:

“I understand wanting to stop vandalism, but cameras in the bathroom? That crosses a serious line. What about my child’s right to privacy?”

Legal and Ethical Backlash

The installation of cameras in school restrooms may violate Polish privacy laws, which strictly regulate the use of surveillance in spaces where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Legal experts have warned that even if the cameras did not record private areas, the very presence of surveillance devices in a restroom setting is problematic.

Lawyer Tomasz Nowicki, a specialist in privacy law, commented:

“Schools must ensure safety, but there are legal and ethical limits. Restrooms are private spaces. Even if the cameras were placed above the sinks, their presence creates a chilling effect and could lead to legal consequences for the school.”

The Polish Data Protection Office (UODO) has yet to formally weigh in on the matter, but privacy advocates argue that this case could set a dangerous precedent for surveillance in schools across the country.

What Happens Next?

The school has since removed the cameras following the backlash, claiming that they were only operational for two weeks and that all recorded footage has been deleted. However, many parents and students remain skeptical, demanding proof that the recordings are gone and assurances that such an incident will not happen again.

Meanwhile, the controversy has prompted a wider discussion on student privacy in Poland. Should schools be allowed to install cameras in restrooms? Where should the line be drawn between security and personal rights?

As investigations continue, one thing is clear—this incident has left a lasting impact on students, parents, and school policies across Poznań.