When Schools Spy on Students

Ever feel like somebody’s watching you? If you’re in a in a K-12 school these days, you’re probably right. Education Week’s Benjamin Herold took a close look at the surge in digital surveillance of students by districts -- sometimes using tools like facial recognition software, and scanning social media posts for worrisome language -- intended to identify students at risk of harming themselves or others. What does this mean for privacy rights, campus safety, and district budgets? How is information about students’ social media habits being tracked, reported, and stored? And who are some unexpected sources reporters can tap to better understand the legal and technological issues at play?