When School Safety Software Becomes the Problem: Navigating the Securly Dilemma
It’s no secret that schools are increasingly relying on technology to keep students safe online. Tools like Securly, a popular content-filtering and monitoring platform, promise to protect students from harmful content, cyberbullying, and distractions. But what happens when the very software designed to safeguard learning becomes a roadblock to education itself? For many students and teachers, including those in my school, Securly has turned into a frustrating obstacle, disrupting classroom activities and hindering productivity. Let’s unpack why this is happening and explore ways to address the problem.
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The Intent Behind Securly: Good Idea, Complicated Execution
Securly was created with noble intentions. Schools face immense pressure to comply with regulations like the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which mandates filtering online content to protect minors. Administrators also want to minimize distractions—social media, gaming sites, or inappropriate material—so students stay focused during class. Securly’s AI-driven filters, activity reports, and screen-monitoring features aim to strike that balance between safety and functionality.
However, the reality in many classrooms tells a different story. Students and teachers report frequent technical glitches, overblocking of legitimate educational resources, and system slowdowns that make even basic tasks like submitting assignments or researching topics a challenge. In my school, these issues have led to wasted class time, missed deadlines, and mounting frustration.
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How Securly Is Disrupting Learning: A Closer Look
1. Overblocking Legitimate Content
Securly’s filters often mistake educational websites for “inappropriate” content. For example, research pages about health topics (like human anatomy or mental wellness) get flagged, blocking access to critical information for assignments. Even Google Drive or collaborative tools like Padlet occasionally end up on the banned list, leaving students unable to collaborate or share work.
2. System Performance Issues
Many school-issued devices run slower with Securly installed. The software’s constant background monitoring consumes memory and processing power, causing lag during video lessons, freezing during exams, or delayed loading of learning platforms like Canvas or Google Classroom. Teachers have resorted to restarting devices mid-lesson—a Band-Aid solution that disrupts the flow of instruction.
3. False Positives in Monitoring
Securly’s AI sometimes misinterprets harmless student behavior. A student researching “climate change protests” might trigger alerts about “violence” or “activism,” leading to unnecessary disciplinary follow-ups. This creates an atmosphere of distrust and discourages students from exploring topics critically.
4. Compatibility Problems
Updates to school software or operating systems often clash with Securly’s settings. For instance, after a recent Windows update in my school, dozens of laptops couldn’t connect to the internet until IT manually adjusted Securly’s configurations. These tech hiccups eat into valuable learning time.
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Why Is This Happening? The Root of the Problem
The issues with Securly aren’t necessarily due to poor design. Instead, they highlight a mismatch between the software’s one-size-fits-all approach and the unique needs of individual schools. Here’s where things go wrong:
– Overly Restrictive Default Settings: Many schools adopt Securly’s preset filters without customizing them for their curriculum. A biology class researching reproductive systems or an English project analyzing controversial literature might hit unnecessary roadblocks.
– Limited IT Resources: School tech teams are often stretched thin. Troubleshooting Securly-related issues competes with maintaining other critical systems, leading to delayed fixes.
– Fear of Liability: Administrators sometimes err on the side of caution, enforcing stricter filters to avoid legal risks. This can result in excessive blocking that stifles academic exploration.
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Solving the Securly Struggle: Practical Steps for Students and Schools
While the situation is frustrating, there are ways to mitigate the impact of Securly on daily learning:
1. Report Issues Promptly (and Specifically)
When a website is blocked incorrectly, use your school’s tech support portal to submit a request. Include details like the URL, why you need access, and how the block affects your work. Generic complaints like “Securly is broken” are less helpful than specific examples.
2. Advocate for Customized Filtering
Student councils or teacher committees can collaborate with administrators to adjust Securly’s settings. For instance, creating whitelists for trusted educational sites or relaxing filters during project-based learning weeks.
3. Use Alternative Devices When Possible
If school computers are too slow or restricted, ask teachers if personal laptops or tablets can be used for specific tasks. Ensure these devices comply with school policies to avoid security concerns.
4. Educate Stakeholders About the Impact
Collect data on how Securly disruptions affect learning—for example, tally time lost to tech issues or compile examples of blocked resources. Presenting this information to decision-makers can drive policy changes.
5. Explore Competing Platforms
Schools locked into contracts with Securly might still benefit from researching alternatives. Tools like GoGuardian or Linewize offer similar features but with different user experiences. Sharing feedback about these options could inspire long-term solutions.
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A Call for Balance: Safety vs. Functionality
The debate over Securly underscores a larger challenge in education technology: How do we protect students without undermining their education? Schools must strike a balance where safety tools enhance—not hinder—the learning process. This requires ongoing dialogue between students, teachers, IT staff, and administrators.
In my school, the Securly dilemma has sparked conversations about digital trust and responsibility. By treating students as partners in problem-solving—rather than just rule-followers—schools can create safer, more functional online environments. After all, the goal isn’t just to block dangers but to empower learners to navigate the digital world wisely.
As we move forward, let’s advocate for solutions that respect both security and the human side of education. Because when technology works with us, not against us, everyone wins.
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