Snapchat is once again blocked on the school Wi-Fi network, and this time, Instagram is too. The Snapchat and Instagram ban on school Wi-Fi was instated on Feb. 14 this year.
With the newly completed S-wing up and running, Carlmont continues its transition towards a technologically advanced school.
However, the new technology requires the necessary wireless connection networks to support it.
Principal Ralph Crame said, “We have so much technology in the classrooms such as Chromebooks and computer labs, that when students are on those apps it is a drain on the Wi-Fi, and it slows the network down.”
The faltering Wi-Fi moved the administrative to confine Wi-Fi usage to educational purposes.
Previously, students had used the school’s student Wi-Fi to access both educational resources and social media. However, the present block on Snapchat and Instagram forced students to use their own cellular data.
Many students had assumed the administration’s main reasoning for the ban was the distractions social media incurred at school.
Salma Sebt, a senior and the multimedia supervisor in Activities Council in ASB, is responsible for the publicizing of ASB activities. Using programs like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Youtube, her commission advertises and informs students of important events.
Since the block, the amount of publicity such as reminders and updates through Snapchat and Instagram has decreased. Despite this handicap, Sebt understood the ban to be a decision made to benefit the students.
Sebt said, “Technology is constantly being updated and developed, and I’m sure in the long run there will be new forms of publicity. It may come with difficulties, but it wouldn’t hinder the production value too much.”
However, her main understanding of the reasoning behind the ban did not fall exactly in line with the administrative concerns.
“I think the reason for the ban was to increase student focus during class,” Sebt said. “The Wi-Fi ban has definitely led me to use social media less.”
Active Snapchat and Instagram user Madison Wong was surprised by the Wi-Fi ban.
“I think a lot of people were unpleasantly surprised by the Wi-Fi being blocked since people use it every day,” Wong said. “I was kind of upset, but not really mad.”
While many were disappointed by the ban, they understand the administration’s intentions. Many also feel that knowing when it is appropriate to use social media is important.
Wong said, “Social media shouldn’t be your whole life and it shouldn’t affect your school and home life overall.”
