After the crackdown, bad stuff kept happening (girls getting beaten by boyfriends, cruel bullying, kids yelling slurs and whatnot) but it just wasn't recorded and publicized.

This thing of being able to easily record incidents of violence is provocative because it lends a lot of credibility and stability to an individual or small group account of specific events. 1 video is worth 1000 witness narratives, especially if the witnesses are devalued and mistrusted in their social context.

We've all felt protected in a dangerous situation because the phone was with us. Even in the dark, out of earshot, it tethers us. "I am not alone." I am connected to my friends, family, the community at large. Whatever happens, there can be witnesses. Contrasting to CCTVs, you feel empowered because the device is physically in your hand, and under your control, rather than being an intrusive spy to catch you doing something wrong. It films from your point of view, not like god above.

But phones aren't going to solve partner violence or racism or bullying. They often facilitate. If people are routinely getting beat up in public and the only thing that tips to any sort of action is a video, I have to wonder what sort of action comes of it and how helpful it was. Since your description is that everything was focused on not getting negative attention to the staff rather than helping the students.