The Challenges of Blocking Gaming Sites
Firstly, blocking gaming sites is often more complex than it might seem. This is largely due to the sheer number of these sites and the fact that many of them have 'mirror' sites. A mirror site is essentially a copy of the original site, hosted on a different server or domain. If the original site gets blocked, users can simply move over to one of these mirror sites. It's like a game of digital whack-a-mole; as soon as one site is blocked, another one pops up.
Moreover, new gaming sites are created all the time, and students, being naturally curious and technologically adept, often find these new sites faster than we can block them. This makes it extremely challenging to maintain a completely game-free online environment.
The Importance of Addressing Underlying Behaviour:
While we use a combination of SafeSearch, firewalls, and additional content filters to safeguard the students' online activities, it's important to recognise that these measures alone are not enough. The use of technology and the internet, like any other activity, requires a level of responsibility and maturity.
When a student continually seeks out gaming sites during school hours, it often indicates an underlying behaviour that needs to be addressed. It could be a sign of boredom, lack of engagement, difficulty with self-regulation, or even an attempt to socialise or fit in with peers. These are issues that can't be solved merely by blocking websites.
As parents, understanding these underlying behaviours is crucial. Open dialogue about appropriate use of technology, as well as discussions about the importance of schoolwork, time management, and self-discipline, can go a long way in shaping responsible online habits.
In addition, if you notice that your child is excessively drawn to online gaming, it might be worth exploring this interest in a positive and controlled manner. Perhaps there are coding classes they could join, or maybe they would enjoy learning about game design or animation. By channeling their interests productively, you can help your child learn valuable skills while also teaching them about balance and responsibility.
We is committed to working alongside parents in fostering responsible digital citizenship, which is about more than just blocking sites. It's about equipping students with the understanding and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely, responsibly, and productively. We encourage you talk to your son's pastoral care teacher regarding how to access additional support from our ILT Education Specialists team.
Brad Tyrrell
Director of ILT