American schools gave kids laptops during the pandemic. Then they spied on them | Jessa Crispin

According to one survey, 81% of teachers in America said their schools monitor devices. Students are not always aware

When the pandemic started last year, countless forms of inequality were exposed - including the millions of American families who don't have access to laptops or broadband internet. After some delays, schools across the country jumped into action and distributed technology to allow students to learn remotely. The catch? They ended up spying on students. For their own good", of course.

According to recent research by the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), 86% of teachers reported that, during the pandemic, schools provided tablets, laptops, or Chromebooks to students at twice the rate (43%) prior to the pandemic, an illustration of schools' attempts to close disparities in digital access."

Jessa Crispin is a Guardian US columnist

In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 and online chat is also available. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org