Face Block

 

Logging onto the school Wi-Fi has become routine for many THS students with electronic devices. But now, those connected to the school network are limited once again.

At the beginning of this school year, THS unblocked social media networks, such as Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and some blogs. While most of these are still open for any user of the school network, Facebook has recently been reblocked.

Principal Tom York said that social media networks could be used for educational purposes, but he admits that the risk of possible abuse of these rights was high. Earlier this year he also pointed out that the school would deal with specific social media sites as problems with them arose. “If it does become a problem, we will deal with each problem individually” he said.

He also pointed out that since principals constantly have to deal with problems on Facebook, in particular bullying, the cons of allowing Facebook outweigh the pros. “Our primary goal was educational. Problems occurred with Facebook though, that we have to deal with more and more,” he said.

THS Information Technology Coordinator Jim Vadja, who implemented the Facebook blocking system at Talawanda, pointed out the fact that teachers still can access Facebook. “All they need is their name and password for the school network,” he said.

How long Facebook will remain blocked on the school network is unknown at the moment. “We try to be as flexible as possible” said York, and added that if every use the school network with respect, restrictions would not have to be made.