More Texas schools are investing in online student surveillance. But does it work?

Northside Independent School District in San Antonio has implemented a pilot program to track students while on campus, having them wear radio frequency identification (RFID) chips on cards around their neck which are scanned by hidden cameras in the ceilings as well as used for lunch and library. Many students personalize their tags as seen in a music class at Jones Middle School in San Antonio, on Sept. 14, 2012. (Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune)

For 24/7 mental health support in English or Spanish, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s free help line at 800-662-4357. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255 or texting 741741.

Last fall, faculty at the Seguin Independent School District received an email no school district wants to read: A student was having suicidal thoughts and the district had to intervene.