Throughout the district, there are many websites that are blocked, some even being educational. Today, I am going to share with you a few reasons as to why these websites might be blocked. Blocked websites are not blocked all under the same group. For example, websites like quora and reddit are both labeled as mature. This means that these sites may contain content that is inappropriate for viewers. Other websites are blocked under games or, like facebook, have there own group. 

 “I’ve definitely tried Coolmath. I feel like most people have,” sophomore Eric Hampson said.

Hampson also said he wished the district  would make certain websites easier to access. 

“There have been times when I needed a website for a school project and I had to go and find a different website with the same information because it was blocked,” sophomore Kamden Hill said.

WSD Director of Technology Greg Lawrence said the district has guidelines to determine why websites are blocked. 

“CIPA requires the district to actively filter any inappropriate content,” Lawrence said. “COPPA requires the district to ensure the privacy of our students.”

Lawrence said that the content filter updates daily to ensure that it is up-to-date with accurate website information. He also said the list of blocked sites is updated daily as well. He further explained trying to break through these blocks has serious consequences.