There is no question about it. Big Brother, as described by George Orwell in his 1948 novel, 1984, is here. As citizens of the United States, a nation that is supposed to epitomize the concept of freedom and set an example for the rest of the world, our basic human rights are slowly but surely eroding before our very eyes. Government at every level continues to increasingly decide what is best for us and thus tell us what we can and cannot do. Furthermore, we are increasingly being watched. One of the latest applications of such intrusion involves the proposal to track school students with RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification technology. In simplest terms, pupils could be watched at all times as homing devices implanted either on an ID card or in their physical bodies would monitor not only every move they make, but their whereabouts as well.
Such homing devices serve as useful tools when tracking lost pets or the migrating habits of creatures on the endangered species list, but with the exception of perhaps newly-released convicts from prison undergoing a probationary period, especially those who served time for sex-related crimes, implanting something capable of tracking a person’s every action should be illegal. This is a blatant violation of one’s individual rights to privacy.
While children in school (yes, even high school) are still minors under the law, they should nevertheless be treated with dignity. In regard to this being an alleged issue of attendance, it should already be obvious that if a student doesn’t show up for classes and no calls from the parents have been placed, then he or she is skipping! Set punishments for truancy are already in place, are they not? What makes anyone think that those who cut class need to be tracked as if they are fugitives? The number of unauthorized absences will clearly be seen on the student’s report cards as it is. This also poses another question: Would these devices be shut off on weekends and during summer and holiday breaks?
With proposals such as that in New Canaan, Connecticut, what will be next? Will anyone who has been caught in an extramarital affair be required to have such implants? Will people cited for speeding have mandatory black boxes installed in their vehicles? Should law enforcement place cameras in every home to make sure that parents don’t spank their children when doing something they’re not supposed to be doing?
Such technology as that found in RFID serves as nothing more than a leash and greatly compromises trust, self-esteem, and independent thought. Of course, kids should not be skipping school. But it happens, and when it does, the school’s sole duty is to inform the parents or guardians promptly, and this is where their responsibility ends. Regardless of what activity a student may be involved in while outside of school, it is up to the parents and/or law enforcement to resolve any potential issues that may arise, not the school.
Schools were created to educate students, not to monitor their every move.