Swiss School Trials Tracking Wristbands on Children

A school in Switzerland has sparked controversy by announcing it will begin testing tracking wristbands on children to monitor their whereabouts. The Letten after-school care centre in Birmensdorf is the institution in question, and it plans to have children wear Bluetooth technology at all times during care hours unless their parents explicitly opt out.

How the Tracking System Works

The tracking wristbands will allow teachers to remotely monitor individual children or groups. If a child leaves the school grounds without permission, an alert will be triggered. The wristbands will also notify staff if a student ventures outside the approved area without prior consent.

Reasons for Implementing the Tracking System

The school has justified the use of tracking technology by citing the constantly fluctuating number of children in the facility and the need to provide "high-quality care." The system can also store "important individual information about food intolerances," making lunch check-ins easier for the children.

Origin of the Tracking System

The tracking system was conceived by Joel Giger, the head of the education centre, as part of a start-up named Companion. According to school administrators, the Birmensdorf school can gain new insights through the pilot project and offer the company an opportunity to test the product with on-site specialists.

Criticism of the Tracking System

However, the use of tracking wristbands on children has not been without criticism. Hans Peter Waltisberg, a spokesman for the Swiss cantonal data protection authority, stated that "a permanent localization of pupils does not seem necessary for the care of children." He suggested that the appropriateness of a Bluetooth wristband as a means of localization should be examined, considering that a wristband can also be removed. This technology is similar to that used to monitor parolees or convicts released on the condition of good behaviour. If the education centre continues with this approach, it risks being known as the school that treats children like prisoners.

Final Thoughts

This story raises important questions about the balance between safety and privacy in our modern world. Is it acceptable to use tracking technology on children in the name of safety, or does it infringe on their rights and treat them like criminals? What are your thoughts on this matter? Share this article with your friends and let's start a conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.