Has The Time Come to Put Video Cameras in Schools?

When those of us on The Other Side of 50 were growing up, life was simpler and a lot less stressful than it is today.  To be sure, there were many victims of robberies or kidnappings -- the world has always had its share of bad people to watch out for -- but generally speaking, children were safe playing out in the street and they were certainly safe in school.  The idea that a little boy walking in a school hallway on his way to class could completely disappear was unheard of.  Today, in urban centers like New York City, many schools have found the need to have metal detectors to ensure that no one enters the school carrying a weapon and, as we all know, it isn't always a stranger coming into a school that we have to watch out for, at times it can be a misguided student seeking attention or revenge.
 
Over the years we have all stood by and observed our civil liberties being eroded.  However, as much as I hate the effort it takes to board an airplane today, I certainly can't dispute the fact that the probing and the searching is necessary in order to protect us from terrorists.  Nevertheless, understanding why it's necessary doesn't mean I choose to be part of the process.  In fact, wherever posible, I prefer to drive.  These days, I'll do almost anything to avoid an airport.  
 
How much protection is necessary?  Protection is the goal of many government agencies.  I.E., the Environmental Protection Agency's mission is to protect human health and safeguard the natural environment.  Many people died and are still dying because EPA failed to follow their mission after 9/11.  So, has the time come to consider installing security cameras in schools in order to protect our children from preditors?   Children's civil rights also need to be protected.  Preteens stealing a first kiss shouldn't have to worry about being caught on camera, but have we reached the point where our children are so endangered that it's necessary to put their civil liberties aside?
 
I'm really not sure what the answers are.  I only know that my own chldren were free to ride their bikes throughout our neighborhood;  they were perfectly safe.  However, for my grandchildren, that would be unheard of.  Children no longer can have that freedom -- even in "good" neighborhoods.  I enjoy the modern conveniences and comforts that I didn't have as a child -- airconditioning, e-mail, fax machines, et cetera -- but I really miss the simplicity of the world that used to be.