A former student and parents at a private school in London, Ont., have raised concerns over children being continuously monitored by video cameras in classrooms and being asked to analyze the footage with their peers. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) is investigating the situation following a complaint.
Lincoln Sandle, 11, attended Infinity School from August 2023 to January 2026 during Grades 3 to 5. He described a classroom activity where students would watch videos of themselves and classmates captured by several surveillance cameras within the school. The videos with audio were projected in the classroom, showing behaviors and areas needing improvement.
The use of surveillance cameras at Infinity School, an affiliate of Acton Academy, has sparked debate over privacy and educational practices. The school, which emphasizes hands-on and self-directed learning, is part of a network of schools promoting Socratic discussions and project-based learning quests. The school’s ownership structure involves parent entrepreneurs adhering to shared learning standards.
Infinity School, housed in a church in London’s Wortley Village, reportedly had around 10 cameras installed throughout the premises, including classrooms, hallways, gym, and library. Concerns about privacy and consent arose among parents, some of whom were unaware of the extensive use of cameras until recently.
In response to inquiries, Acton Academy representatives emphasized that cameras serve as tools for learning and leadership development within their schools. However, questions remain about consent, transparency, and access to surveillance footage, particularly with regards to livestream capabilities and privacy policies.
The legality of using surveillance cameras in schools, especially in private settings like Infinity School, raises issues related to privacy laws and individual consent. The Privacy Commissioner’s office is engaging with the school to gather more details and determine appropriate actions.
While the school administration defends the use of cameras for educational purposes, parents like Sarah Starrs express concerns about the lack of clarity regarding who can access the footage and how it is utilized. The ongoing discussions highlight the need for transparent policies and practices surrounding camera surveillance in educational settings.
Lincoln’s experience at Infinity School, where the constant monitoring caused stress and discomfort, underscores the potential negative impacts of surveillance on children’s well-being and learning environment. Moving to a new school without surveillance cameras has brought him a sense of relief and freedom to interact openly with peers.
As the investigation continues and discussions on privacy and surveillance in schools evolve, the case at Infinity School serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between educational innovation and safeguarding student rights and privacy.
