It’s 5th period on the Thursday before spring break when the chatter begins… “this is so unfair!”

On Apr. 7, LTHS administration banned social media websites on district-issued chromebooks. This includes apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. Even though the Porter Pockets were enforced this past year, students found that they could use the online social media sites on their district chromebooks.

Administrators created this change in hopes that it would help reduce distractions and keep students on track during the school day. In their study halls and classes, students are given time to catch up on and complete their work. By eliminating the temptation of viewing, scrolling, and texting on social media, students are less likely to be distracted and more likely to finish their work.

LTHS also claims that the focus of students is what is most important. Being able to be present in the moment in each classroom is what gives students the ability to learn and grow. By taking away distractions, it can allow students to be able to focus and deepen skills that will be needed later in life.
Although most students understand that this change is necessary in order to promote a focused atmosphere, they are still unhappy about it. Some students feel like they need some break time in order to relax and reset before their next period. Being able to scroll mindlessly on TikTok for a period could be what they need in order to focus better in their next class. “I have AP Calculus BC first period and AP Physics 1 directly following that. Sometimes in Compass, I just want to be able to give my mind a break by scrolling on social media,” agrees senior Lilian McCarthy. 

When the Porter Pockets were enforced, students still found ways to distract themselves by finding these websites online. Now, after blocking these online social media sites, students are bound to find another way to distract themselves from their work. “I don’t think it’s really going to help, I feel like it’s going to make students more creative in finding ways to entertain themselves,” says Abigail Laird, a sophomore at LTHS.

Although some students feel like this change is not going to help, LTHS administration are hoping to encourage students to focus on their studies versus getting distracted online. LTHS is optimistic in their approach that students will adjust to these changes which will overall benefit and improve their learning environment.