BY ROSA PRESTON

As I’m writing this, I’m going back and forth between this story and playing Sudoku. Yep, I’m playing Sudoku and working at the same time. That’s mainly because most other games are blocked. Even typing in the word “games” sends you to your favorite unblocked message system. But is it worth questioning that games shouldn’t be blocked? Games that may be educational or teach life skills? I kind of think so.

In all reality, it’s fair that most games have been blocked on most district computers. Unless they’re proven to be an educational asset, most games are a distraction. Assistant Principal Jason Morton says,  “The primary reason for blocking computer games is simple: Students need to be using district tech as a tool for learning. If the game has educational value, a teacher can always request Tech that access be given.”

I agree that the school’s educational tools should be used for educational purposes. And I’m sure that for most part, they’re being used that way. But what should someone do if they’ve finished? If they don’t have reading material, have no available activities, and aren’t allowed to take a nap (which isn’t even allowed anyways), then students may just sit around bored. So for the sake of not distracting other students, some family friendly games should be allowed.

But there’s another problem about games in school that I didn’t think of until Counselor Jaime Pelzl said, “There are many games not appropriate for the school setting, plus there are also ways to communicate with outsiders through these games which could lead to dangerous interactions for the students.” Stranger danger is a reasonable concern, especially with high schoolers. The solution is very simple: Block those kinds of games. I know, I know, this article is supposed to be about how I think games should be unblocked, but boundaries should be put in place in order to keep students safe.

Truman is a high school, not an elementary school. So, it’s natural that it’s no longer all fun and games. But that’s not to say student’s shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy their high school years. Educational games that don’t require students to interact with people outside their class or school I think should be allowed in schools, if they’ve finished their assignments in the class they’re in or assignments in general.