The justification for this action is that if kids have structured upbringings, they won’t get sucked into street crime and drugs. And because the housing is subsidised, the government isn’t technically putting cameras in private homes; these are public homes.
But still, the precedent this sets is terrifying. This is the definition of a nanny state, a government that doesn’t trust its citizens to live their lives autonomously so it sticks its nose into every little aspect of them for their own good.
Really, I think this can all be traced back to the Children’s Secretary, Ed Balls. I mean, obviously Mr. Balls was mocked mercilessly as a child for his hilarious name. But really, Balls, do you have to take it out on the children of Britain? [Daily Express via Gadget Lab]
matt
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 9:57 AMpfft, I would be so out of that country, while they still let you leave…
sERAPHIM
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 11:26 AMV for Vendetta anyone?
Daniel
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 2:25 PMahahahah exactly what i was thinking! But then again, britain has always been this serious about filming their citizens’ every move, this is just going one step further. Let’s just hope governments all over the world don’t start getting ideas eh?
boc
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 1:16 PMPublic homes? So anyone can just walk on through these homes?
“Don’t mind me, just gonna take a quick nap. Oh, I wouldn’t use the toilet for a while. What do you mean your house?”
Kif
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 2:14 PMSeems insane, but think about it. “Worst families”. These are no doubt situations where previously the only option is for child services to take the kids away from their parents, which is more traumatic for the child. I think if the courts were to give an ultimatum; Live in this house supervised, or we take your kids, most would choose this as a step towards being a better parent. If not, they probably don’t deserve kids. As long as it’s not abused, this could work in many situations. Time will tell.
Michael Visser
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 3:16 PMboc, no ‘public homes’ means the State allocates a house to you to live in. you probably have a few in your neighbourhood, they’re everywhere!
Ben Litwin
Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 3:24 PMSomething drastic is needed to break the horrible cycles these families are in, often involving abuse.
I think it’s a realistic and great solution. You need to think about the kids.