Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a buzzword we’ve been seeing constantly in these past few years in education, and almost every other industry. The main topics surrounding AI in education include student cheating, data privacy, AI integrated into lesson plans, and even using AI for communication with families. But recently, a new AI topic in education has emerged: AI surveillance.
As school leaders navigate the ever-evolving world of student safety, AI-powered surveillance has sparked both promise and controversy. Designed to monitor students’ online activities on school-issued devices, these tools aim to prevent self-harm, bullying, and violence. However, their use raises serious concerns about student privacy, trust, and long-term impact.
The Case for AI Surveillance: Safety and Early Intervention
Ai surveillance software like Gaggle, GoGuardian, and Securly scans student communications and search history for signs of distress or danger. When flagged content — such as mentions of suicide, violence, or bullying — is detected, school officials are alerted, enabling them to intervene before a situation escalates.
Proponents argue that these tools provide important insights into students’ well-being, particularly in the face of increasing mental health challenges and school safety threats. Schools using these technologies often report successful interventions, where counselors reached out to students struggling with self-harm or abuse — potentially preventing crises.
The Privacy Debate: Student Trust at Risk
Despite the safety benefits, critics warn that AI surveillance may create unintended consequences, including privacy violations and loss of student trust. A 2023 RAND study found no conclusive evidence that these systems effectively reduce suicide rates or violence. Additionally, excessive monitoring can discourage students from seeking help or expressing themselves freely.
A major concern is the potential for LGBTQ+ students to be outed. In some districts, surveillance software has flagged messages about gender identity and sexual orientation, exposing students to unintended consequences. For instance, a Durham, North Carolina school discontinued its use of Gaggle after an alert led to an LGBTQ+ student being outed to their family without consent.
Finally, some families are unaware their children are being monitored. Parents have reported that disclosure about surveillance is often buried in long technology-use policies, leaving them unable to opt out.
False Flags and Over-Policing Students
While AI can transform student safety and identify potential threats, it is far from perfect. Schools using surveillance software receive thousands of alerts, yet many turn out to be false alarms. Students have been flagged for writing creative short stories, discussing history topics, or engaging in everyday conversations.
Counselors have reported that students who realize they are being monitored begin altering their online behavior, either by finding ways to bypass the system or avoiding searches that could help them navigate personal challenges. “I was too scared to be curious,” said one student, who avoided searching for personal health questions on her school-issued Chromebook.
The Bigger Picture: Mental Health Support Over Technology?
The cost of AI surveillance is also a growing debate. In some districts, contracts with monitoring companies total hundreds of thousands of dollars — funds that could instead be used to hire more mental health professionals. At a time when schools face staffing shortages and increased student mental health needs, investing in human support could be a more effective and ethical approach than relying on digital surveillance alone.
Striking the Right Balance
As AI surveillance becomes more widespread, it’s imperative to weigh the benefits of early intervention against the risks of diminishing student privacy and trust. Key considerations include:
- Transparency with parents and students – Schools should clearly communicate surveillance policies and provide options for parental oversight.
- Privacy protections – Districts must ensure that flagged student records remain secure and protected from data breaches.
- Targeted, not blanket, monitoring – AI surveillance should be used in tandem with, not as a replacement for, in-person student support systems.
- Increased mental health resources – Investing in counselors and social workers can provide proactive support rather than relying solely on AI alerts.
Principals must weigh the pros and cons of any technology, but especially AI surveillance. Using these products requires a delicate balance between protecting students and fostering trust and support.
