Games should be blocked from students' Chromebooks

By Felix C.

One thing that many Airport students know is that they can’t play games on their Chromebooks during class. Middle school and high school students aren’t able to play any games on their Chromebooks because they are blocked. Many students don’t do their work because of the games they try to play. Teachers report this to the director, who blocks every Chromebook, new or old, so students can’t play games. Some students still know how to unblock games or other apps or tabs. I agree that games should be blocked, and this article explains my reasons why.

The first reason that games should be blocked on Chromebooks is that they are a distraction in class. For example, if you are playing a game and your teacher gives you a test to finish by the end of class, you might ignore the teacher and keep playing. Then, when the teacher collects the test, they are upset because you spent the entire class on a game instead of working. This situation is supported by examples from “Popular Google Doodle Games."

The second reason that games should be blocked is that students often ignore warnings. A teacher may tell you to turn off the game, but you still ignore them. While the class is studying for a test, you might still be playing instead of listening. When students repeatedly ignore instructions, the teacher has no choice but to block the games to keep the class focused.

The third reason is that too much gaming can lead to what some people call “brain rot.” For example, if you spend the whole day playing games instead of doing homework or studying, a few weeks later you might not be ready for a test or exam. This could result in a D– or F on your report card, and you may not pass for the year. Another example is that when you play too many games, your brain gets used to doing something easy instead of learning. Some games are mind-numbing and require no real thinking—you are just “rotting your brain” instead of growing it.

Games will continue to be blocked on Chromebooks because many students play so much that they don’t focus or study for their grades. If something happens during class because you were playing a game, your Chromebook could stay blocked for a long time. Chromebooks are meant to be used for studying, not playing games in class or in the hallway.

Teachers and directors don’t like having to constantly tell students to stop playing games and start working on their grades. Teachers are responsible for the class and often remind students to turn off phones and games. Directors check the hallways to make sure students aren’t wandering around or using their phones when they shouldn’t be.

Students will eventually stop trying to play games once the directors block them. Many students love to play games at home, but not in school. Some students get bored in class and don’t want to study, and others like to break rules and walk around in the hallways. But we need to follow the rules, stay in class, study, and learn if we want to succeed and get a good job in the future.

In conclusion, games are banned on school Chromebooks for several reasons. Schools block games and even videos because students aren’t allowed to use their phones or Chromebooks for entertainment during class. Students should not play games on their Chromebooks during school or work time. What happens this year will affect the next semester, so it’s important to stay focused and avoid games during school.