Starting from July 1, 2024, all preschools and government-funded early intervention centers in Singapore will be required to have closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) installed. Parents will also be given access to CCTV footage to help investigate "serious incidents." This decision follows a review of security and safety measures in the early childhood sector by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
The decision to mandate CCTVs in preschools took into account the input of parents, educators, and preschool operators and aims to enhance security and provide an objective reference point for investigations. However, parents' access to CCTV footage will be granted only for legitimate reasons and "within reasonable grounds."
CCTV cameras will be required in key access points and areas used by children, including classrooms, activity rooms, play areas, and infant napping rooms. To protect the privacy of employees and children, CCTV cameras will not be allowed in toilets, changing rooms, and staff rest areas.
More than 60% of preschools and all early intervention centers have already installed CCTV cameras on their premises. The ECDA will provide guidelines to preschool operators to ensure proper installation and appropriate use.
The move to mandate CCTVs is not a direct response to recent incidents of child abuse in Kinderland preschools but rather part of a broader effort to enhance safety and security in the preschool sector. Kinderland has also banned staff from using personal devices at work to protect children's privacy.
In summary, the Singaporean government has made it mandatory for preschools and early intervention centers to install CCTV cameras by July 1, 2024. Parents will have access to the footage for specific purposes, and the move aims to improve security and provide evidence for investigations, but privacy concerns will be addressed.
The decision to mandate CCTVs in preschools took into account the input of parents, educators, and preschool operators and aims to enhance security and provide an objective reference point for investigations. However, parents' access to CCTV footage will be granted only for legitimate reasons and "within reasonable grounds."
CCTV cameras will be required in key access points and areas used by children, including classrooms, activity rooms, play areas, and infant napping rooms. To protect the privacy of employees and children, CCTV cameras will not be allowed in toilets, changing rooms, and staff rest areas.
More than 60% of preschools and all early intervention centers have already installed CCTV cameras on their premises. The ECDA will provide guidelines to preschool operators to ensure proper installation and appropriate use.
The move to mandate CCTVs is not a direct response to recent incidents of child abuse in Kinderland preschools but rather part of a broader effort to enhance safety and security in the preschool sector. Kinderland has also banned staff from using personal devices at work to protect children's privacy.
In summary, the Singaporean government has made it mandatory for preschools and early intervention centers to install CCTV cameras by July 1, 2024. Parents will have access to the footage for specific purposes, and the move aims to improve security and provide evidence for investigations, but privacy concerns will be addressed.
Source: CNA/ng(ac)
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/restoring-coral-reefs-marine-conservation-singapore-global-warming-human-activities-3737916