In Haddon Township High School, our access to online resources has been severely limited by the implementation of LightSpeed AI website filtering on our school-issued iPads. While originally these devices were introduced to serve as educational tools and offer a bit of entertainment during free periods, nearly every website we try to access is blocked, even those with clear educational purposes. This presents an unreasonable limitation to our learning, creativity, and exploration.

LightSpeed AI is meant to protect students by filtering inappropriate content, but its excessive restrictions are doing more harm than good. Websites essential for research, learning, education based  entertainment, and resources that could otherwise enhance our educational experience are unnecessarily deemed inappropriate. This flawed filtering system cannot differentiate between harmful and beneficial sites, leaving our digital education tools practically unusable.

While it is understandable that there needs to be oversight to ensure students are using their time wisely, punishing the majority of students for the actions of a few is not fair. Haddon Township educators have expressed that iPads should support both study and entertainment during the appropriate times. By considering alternative strategies, we can achieve a balance between security and accessibility. Monitoring systems, teacher oversight during specific times, or educating students about appropriate online behavior are all potential solutions that could be implemented without blocking valuable resources.

Moreover, studies show that overzealous internet filtering can negatively impact students' learning and digital literacy. According to the American Library Association, students are more likely to develop critical thinking skills and online safety awareness when they’re given avenues to explore and understand the internet responsibly.

We, the students of Haddon Township High School, are dedicated to our education and are eager to explore learning opportunities online. We call upon our school administrators to reconsider the restrictive LightSpeed AI filtering policies. By removing  these filters, we can better utilize our iPads for their intended purpose…learning and growth.

Please join us in urging Haddon Township High School to adopt a more balanced, educationally supportive approach by signing this petition. Your support can help us pave the way for a more unrestricted and beneficial learning environment. Sign today and help make a change!

Examples of effected websites:

Pinterest

Youtube (mildly effected)

Reddit

Jet punk

And many more.

All of these websites can have an opportunity for educational use and offer education-based entertainment.