Why Are Games Banned in Schools? Let’s Talk.

I've always wondered — why do so many schools block or ban online games?

Sure, I understand that schools want students to focus on learning, and they’re worried games might be a distraction. But aren’t there also positive aspects to gaming?

Games can improve strategic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. In fact, games like chess are used in classrooms to teach focus and foresight. So why block all games?

Sometimes it feels like schools treat all games as the same — whether it's a violent shooter(eg: scum) or a simple block puzzle eg: https://www.colorblock.cc/ . But not all games are harmful. Some games are relaxing, help reduce stress between classes, or even sharpen our minds. Maybe you should go out for a walk.

Do you think banning games outright is the right solution?
Should schools be teaching digital self-control instead of blocking everything?

Curious what others think. Especially if you're a student, teacher, or even a parent — what’s your take?

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Well I am a student but our teachers like scold us for playing games that is true but some intelligent students having their reflex faster and confidence download literally games . Once a boy in myclass downloaded roblox and used my name to sign up. But ok they are teaching computer we will study but when we have free periods they never allow us I totally agree with you

Well sometimes teacher tell that we don't want to waste our network like that

I totally get why schools try to keep us focused — and yes, classes shouldn’t turn into game sessions. But at the same time, I think it’s kind of unfair that even during free periods or breaks, we’re still not allowed to relax with a harmless puzzle game like block blast or bubble shooter.

It's a school issued devcie you're supposed to use it to learn, not play games

If it's a personal device then yes, games should be allowed during free time. But if it's a school assigned device, it's given for the purpose of studying not to waste their time. And yes it's a waste of time BECAUSE school's can't just block a certain genre of games, even if they make a rule that only strategic games are allowed as soon as the block is lifted, students are going to play games like shooters.

yes the first priority in school is to study hard and maybe become a game developer in the future😂

#3 true

And maybe DLS? Technically not a game but still

#11 true, but they should only allow it during break time. I dont understand, I was playing a game tdy during recess but my geography teacher scolded me?! It's RECESS, we're supposed to take a break

Games on your Chromebook do not promote learning or focus on lessons and assignments. I feel like it’s fair to let your students scroll through their TikToks after they’re done with their lesson or whatever, but it makes no sense to allow all games to stay unblocked at any given time.

I'm kind of torn between whether they should allow games or not.

As a student, I understand your frustration, but they intend for school time to be for learning, not video games. It's annoying, but it's for the better if I had to guess. In my opinion, sometimes you just need a break from school. Maybe you had an exam last period, and you're stressing. You want to join a music game or something. That wouldn't be so bad. It is a big distraction for some people (yes, i am "some people"). I can't ever focus, and I'm often tempted to hop on cc during class, but that would just get it blocked for me.

anyways

Do you think banning games outright is the right solution?

Nope. I think they should have times where you can play games. I'm not a computer guru by any means, but I'm sure there's a way to allow certain websites at certain times of day. Even if they don't allow certain games.

Should schools be teaching digital self-control instead of blocking everything?

I feel like this would help with addiction at home. If I had to guess, there's more people than I realize that are addicted to video games. Maybe not even video games. irl example: My dad is lost in something as simple as Tik-Tok's three second content. I feel like teaching digital self-control would really help for the people who have a chance to escape it still. Maybe challenges to see who can have a set amount of screen time or less spent on games each week.