Securly “protects” us, but at what price?
“Looks like this page isn’t allowed. This page has been blocked.” That sentence, accompanied by a red gnome chewing on a wire and a yellow gnome on the floor, is something almost every student with a school-issued computer has seen. Each time it appears, Securly, the safety and device management system, is doing its job to look over its students.
School districts use Securly to filter inappropriate content, monitor for signs of self-harm or bullying, and manage classroom devices. These intentions are valid and student safety is essential for CVUSD, however, the growing limitations the district has created in daily academic work cannot be ignored.
Securly frequently blocks links to websites and articles assigned by teachers, interrupting the student workflow. If multiple websites trigger Securly, a ten minute ban is put on any browser, including Google Classroom, which causes students to be put behind on schedule.
I don’t have a personal computer, meaning the school-issued Chromebook I have is the one and only place I do all my school work, and I often use my Chromebook to do my internships and email sources outside of the district.
With teachers finding Securly an inconvenience oftentimes as well, they should be allowed to override permissions which allow their students to access websites they need to visit.
In addition to Securly, new security measures in our district have banned any external sources from interacting with CVUSD students. As a result, I have been unable to access my personal emails and do the work I need to do.
I am currently doing a paid internship for journalism to educate students about the dangers of opioid use and speaking on the opioid crisis. Because the internship is outside of CVHS, I have to use my personal email, but because of this I can’t use my computer to write articles or email my teammates and directors. Additionally, because of a more sensitive topic, Securly blocks my browsers and I can’t research the websites I would like to use.
These restrictions can also unintentionally encourage the more frequent usage of phones for students; with no Securly block and free access to do any work I need, I find that using my phone is often more efficient.
While it is essential to protect the online safety of CVUSD students and staff and the district must comply with safety requirements, these updated restrictions have interfered with students’ ability to learn, work, and participate in opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
District safety systems should protect their students, but not hold them back. With small adjustments and changes like allowing teacher overrides or allowing more public websites, the district can continue doing its job while its students are able to continue doing theirs.
Very insightful article. Before I had my own personal laptop, I too had to use the school-issued Chromebook for classwork, and it was extremely frustrating. The intention behind employing Securly is understandable; however, in practice, I, and many other teachers and students alike, have found it more of an inconvenience than anything. It stunts work progress for students. I also find it very irritating how, recently, it feels like students are almost nagged for not using the school-issued computers. I’ve faced some snarky comments myself from staff over not using mine during state testing times in the past, and I think it’s ridiculous. If the district wants us to use their computers, they need to make them actually usable first.
I think it’s great to see someone speak about this issue! Securly had been such a nuisance throughout high school and it’s about time for someone to do something about it.
I think this article is really well written and discussed an important problem at our school. Securely at this point is more harmful to students and staff than good and it’s making class run less smoothly.
I think this article really shows how important it is to balance online safety with giving students the tools they need. Securly is important, but sometimes it blocks sites students need for schoolwork or internships. Allowing teacher overrides or access to more public websites seems like a fair solution that keeps students safe while letting them get their work done.
Very insightful and interesting! Thank you for spreading awareness around campus.