Games in School: Why NOT to Play

Games in School: Why Not to Play

Written by: Anonymous

Almost every student in Black Rock Middle School has played some game on their computer. Some students believe this is okay or allowed as long they do their work. Many students have found ways to unblock or go around blocking software. This type of removing district protection or blocking technology can result in a student being unsafe or  insecure when using district provided technology. 

All students must also keep in mind that even if they think they're deleting their history; blocking software still keeps data of what sites they visited. At any time an administrator can also run a check of students history at any time. What most students don’t realize is that they are not allowed to play games according to District policy 134. This policy states that “A student’s failure to abide by this Policy will subject the student to the usual disciplinary procedures of the District as established in the applicable Student Code of Conduct or in District policies, the student’s access privileges may be revoked, and/or appropriate legal action may be pursued”. 

Many students now try to mask or hide tabs or windows from teachers when they are nearby. Other students are opting to get unblocker sites. Unblocker sites remove the need for game sites all together, allowing students to search anything they want. This can be unsafe and may lead to legal action needed. 

A few students feel that it isn’t right to play games on district issued devices. These students may want to share game sites so the district can block them using blocking software. These students may also feel urged to share this vital information to the district but feel too much peer pressure to do so. This can lead to the students feeling insecure and unsafe. If you or a friend feels like this, contact a teacher or adult. It may feel weird at first but it really helps.

Every student can help by not playing games on their computer and by not pressuring students to not share information. If you or someone you know plays games on their computer, remind them to do their work and pay attention in class. Without the distraction of games, students' grades will most likely go up. So next time you receive a game website, do your part and delete it.