In 2024, HCPSS blocked all games that helped us relax after class, such as paper.io and florr.io. These games provided a much-needed break after a hard class. However, when they blocked all games, including smaller ones like slither.io and chess.com, which help sharpen our skills and minds, students began resorting to more “shady” activities.

Many kids started downloading proxies and VPNs, which, while not against HCPSS policy, exploit a loophole. A student from Perry Hall High School (BCPS) reacted by saying, “Howard County is seriously that strict? Man, bro. I’d never go to HCPSS. Too restricted, they would make us feel like prisoners. We’d protest at that rate.”

While games can distract some students during school, studies show that they help others relax, especially those with mental disorders like ADHD or schizophrenia. These students can calm down from an episode by playing games. We are only asking for small games like .io games or chess.com that bring us happiness.

Rumors of potential protests are already spreading in Ellicott Mills, Lime Kiln, and River Hill Schools. We want to resolve this quickly and peacefully. As students find more loopholes in county policies, we cannot predict how far they will go. If we don’t act now, students will fall into stress and be forced to join these protests. The continued search for ways to unblock games using shady methods could lead to broader issues for the entire county.