Growing up in the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) system, I've witnessed a gradual tightening of internet policies that feels more oppressive than protective. It's personal for me because these policies have been blocking not just potential distractions, but also websites that offer genuine educational opportunities and harmless entertainment. Websites that host digital manga, games for learning, entertainment, and even certain educational platforms have been deemed inappropriate and barred from access. It's disheartening because these sites represent a window to creative learning and harmless relaxation.

For instance, YouTube was banned several years ago. But, what started as precautionary measures against inappropriate content has turned into a frustrating blockade. The simple joy of watching educational videos or indulging in creative explorations is being denied. This overwhelming restriction comes at a time when we are restricted from touching or playing in the snow, which has been a policy in every MCPS school I've been in. The changes in both courses and entertainment sites have been letting students down and feel trapped in a downpour of homework and schoolwork with no breaks in between. a lot of people would probably have less mental issues if MCPS lightened the amount of work put into simply blocking out all possible ways of entertainment.

Moreover, the current curriculum seems to instill a restrictive mindset—one that suggests failure is catastrophic and grades are all that matter in life. It feels as though learning for understanding and personal growth has become secondary to memorization and test scores. MCPS teaches curriculum in a way that make around half of the students bored out of their minds in some classes and the other half struggling to keep up. This is harmful in ways not just towards kids, but teachers as well. in the restrictive ways curriculum teaches, teachers can feel overwhelmed trying to meet everyone's needs at once. We encourage creating compacted classes in middle school for English, because it's a key part of elementary school some students missed. so many students need more education and harder things that push them to a point that lets them improve but is still at a pace they can follow. There is also kind of a reverse racism going around now, teaching kids to not feel special if they are white or Caucasian, which is not what I think MCPS' objectives truly are. they should treat everyone equally, instead of glorifying those who weren't treated equally in the past. I think that every race is amazing and that everybody belongs in one place: this world. no one should be taught that they are worth less or more depending on their race, no matter what race they are. 

I also think students should get to have more electives, since most middle schools limit it to two or three. Students should be able to have classes they enjoy and can thrive in, and not have to struggle with things that are really hard. I think that Math, History, English, and Science should still be taught, but P. E. should be optional(with parental consent) and I think Science should be taught in a better and more effective way that keeps information in people's heads and lets the smarter kids have something to do once work is finished besides sitting at tables and doing things we've already done. English should also definitely have an advanced curriculum to teach as well that engages children instead of forcing some of them to do easy work while forcing others to struggle and try very very hard.

back to the issue of banning websites, I really think that some blocks like Math Playground and Magma.com are very unreasonable. Math Playground had a few games that could be considered distracting, but mostly, it's just educational games. Magma.com is an art program where people can create things online with other people, and MCPS should learn that not everyone in the world is going to be an inappropriate person. That's why I don't think there forms of social media should be blocked. being an art student myself, I like to animate. but it's very hard when every good animation app is blocked on MCPS computers. There are also only a few art websites digital artists can use now, Magma being blocked earlier this year. Kleki.com is the most high quality, but it's nowhere near Procreate or Ibis Paint X, which are common art apps used on mostly tablets and phones. 

Rather than blanket bans, we urge MCPS to reevaluate these internet restrictions. Students should be able to have fun during free time, and blocking should be limited to teacher preferences. if teachers need to block certain websites during class, then so be it. let them go during free time. it's okay that MCPS is blocking genuinely harmful content like making set restrictions on YouTube that don't include all the educational and fun things to watch. 

It's important for the school to understand that providing us a chance to explore these various digital domains can foster an environment of creativity and independent learning, crucial for our growth as well-rounded individuals. Please join me in urging MCPS to reconsider their internet policies to give students the freedom to learn and play responsibly. Sign this petition to allow us the opportunity to grow intellectually and explore the digital world safely.