Instagram Blocked

For the past few days, Sandwich High School has been experiencing a blockage on the popular social media app, Instagram. Instagram is the name of an online sharing app which allows a person to take and edit photos with other users. Over the past 2 years, the usage of this app has skyrocketed and has now been incorporated into the High School’s educational system.

Karen McGrath, the technology department head, believes that there should be no blockage in the social media app. McGrath quotes, “I trust young adults. Teenagers need to learn how to use social media for good things.” High schoolers should be allowed the access to social media apps. McGrath states that, “even I like to check my Instagram throughout the day when I’m on lunch break.”

Many classes, including but not limited to, Journalism, use the Instagram app for an educational purpose. Not only will blocking the app be a setback for anyone who needs it for educational purposes but it will also block anyone who genuinely enjoys keeping up to date with current events.

Although there are many downfalls with the blockage of Instagram, there are reasons behind this action that many students do not know about. Ann Wagner, Sandwich High School’s Vice Principal, stated that Instagram is “clogging the internet’s pipe with non-educational sources, causing crashing in the bandwidth.” Wagner also states that those who use gaming or inappropriate internet access can be extremely distracted, causing downfalls in grades and focus.

As an SHS and STEM teacher, Maria Cahill, believes that “this block on social media is a blessing for 7th, 8th and 9th graders, but also depending on the child, age, or grade can play a role in its effects. I saw a huge increase in participation and an immense amount of focus in my English classes [after the block].”

The staff of Sandwich High School would like to notify students that this is not a form of punishment but to keep re-occurring Internet problems under control. If the blocking of the social media app results in a positive effect on the bandwidth and helps students with grades and concentration, the block may be in effect for years to come, but Wagner states that she is “not sure” how long this blockage will be in place.