Since the introduction of GoGuardian in 2014, students have encountered digital barriers on their Chromebooks and personal computers. Schools use GoGuardian to block websites deemed unsafe or distracting, but recently, students have noticed changes in restrictions with simple searches like “star” being blocked even before accessing links. This change occurs despite no known updates to GoGuardian’s website-blocking policies, unless a teacher requests a specific site to be unblocked.
“We may have websites that are being blocked for some reason,” Network Technician Bernard Milaj said. “We haven’t made any specific changes on that. We can unlock websites that are not bad, but we need the permission of [a teacher].”
As students navigate the challenges posed by GoGuardian’s stringent website restrictions, they have become increasingly vocal about their experiences. These discussions have sparked conversations about their digital rights and the balance between online safety and access to information.
“[The restrictions] make it to where I have to wait till I get home and do [schoolwork] on my own time, which I don’t have a lot of time,” Junior Kyle Nelson said. “It can interfere with me getting assignments done on time.”
The restrictions imposed by GoGuardian’s web filtering have started important debates about individuals’ digital rights and access to information online. Some limits intended to protect students might impact their academic progress. Balancing safety measures with educational needs involves ongoing discussion among stakeholders to find effective solutions.
