Page 29 - The Regent Digest Volume 13 Issue 40

Should Schools Police

The Internet?

Article by Barakat Smith (Year 9 Congo) Article by Eleora Danjuma-Etuh (Year 9 Volta)

n today’s digital age, schools face et’s be honest, most of us live
online. Whether it’s Snapchat,
a dilemma: should they police
L TikTok, Discord, or just texting
I students’ online behaviour or
friends, the internet is a huge part
respect their privacy and freedom?
of how we communicate. So when
While monitoring can protect against
things go wrong like cyberbullying or
cyberbullying and harmful content, too
drama, some think schools should
much control risks stifling creativity and
monitor what students do online.
trust. Instead of strict policing, schools

should focus on teaching students how
But schools shouldn’t be internet police.
to navigate the online world responsibly,
It’s a total invasion of privacy. What we
encouraging kindness, critical thinking, post in our own time shouldn’t be school
and respect. Empowering young people business. Policing everything we do
with digital skills is the best way to online makes it feel like we’re constantly
prepare them for internet challenges. being watched, and that’s not healthy.

When students feel trusted and included, Schools aren’t trained to be digital
they’re more likely to make better detectives and already have enough
to worry about. Teachers should
choices online. Schools could create fun
focus on teaching, not tracking us.
and engaging internet safety lessons

instead of just blocking sites or checking
If students feel watched, they won’t
messages. They could also involve
feel safe asking for help. Trust matters.
students in making rules, making things

feel fair. Even student-led digital clubs
Instead of spying, schools should teach us
could help peers talk about what they see
how to handle the internet wisely. Focus
online and how to handle it. In the end, it’s
on support, digital literacy, and partnering
not about spying. It’s about support and
with parents. That’s how you create
smart online choices. safer schools and smarter students.

THE REGENT SECONDARY SCHOOL 29