Biometric technology in schools 'is unnecessary'

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 20:57

TEACHERS and councils have described the use of biometric data in schools as unnecessary and like using a "sledgehammer to break a nut".

Critics warned recent data losses and high costs of the schemes made the technology controversial.

Some schools already use palm or fingerprint scanners for pupils to pay for lunches or take out library books.

Ian Fraser, education director of Inverclyde Council, said his authority had no plans to do likewise.

He said: "The case for the necessity of biometric technology has not been made and there is no persuasive argument that it is required by schools at this time."

Academics from Strathclyde University warned that children were too "naive and immature" to understand the implications and were likely to welcome surveillance technology as "cool".