Arlington Public Schools (APS) has recently been filtering more content than ever. Previously, Yorktown students were unable to use certain words in their search engine. This was unanimously a common practice because it restricts harmful and dangerous content. The reasoning is that school is a place for learning rather than searching distracting things online.
Now, the search engines are becoming even more restrictive. Yorktown students are unable to search terms such as “gun violence,” yet they are expected to write essays about modern issues. To APS, the topic of guns is too vulgar to search, but not dangerous enough to raise awareness about the drastic impacts they have on Americans.
Not only specific search words have been restricted, online applications have been blocked as well. Students ask what the benefits of this excessive online blocking has been.
Yorktown senior, Luis Garcia says that Youtube has been blocked for some.
“I can’t watch youtube videos and be happy watching videos,” Garcia said.
Yorktown students often find a moment of joy watching videos or listening to music. However, APS has recently blocked Spotify in correlation with the recent phone ban. There is confusion regarding this ban as studies have shown that music engages areas of the brain that help attention and focus. More than just music, Airpods or other earbuds have noise cancellations, which significantly helps tune out excess noise to get work done.
“I like to listen to a lot of music while studying.. It helps me concentrate,” Garcia said.
Another beloved site affected by the new restrictions is Quizlet. The policy allows for Quizlet to be used at home, but not on school WIFI. The blocking of Quizlet caused a large controversy about how effective it really is. Students argue that Quizlet is a credible learning tool which allows students to study better. The website allows students to make personalized flashcards, mini quizzes and diagrams.
“Quizlet helps me study… and I can’t use it in school,” Senior Sienna Smith said.
Although teachers and administration believe there were unsafe advertisements on the website, therefore agreeing with the ban. The debate is still unsettled as students and administrators go head to head.
