The Wake County Public School System banned Snapchat from the school's Wi-Fi networks on Monday.
Schools spokeswoman Lisa Luten said Tuesday that officials have concluded that Snapchat does not have instructional value.
"We make decisions to block technology if there's not an instructional use for it, or if it creates a disruption in the classroom," Luten said. "And in this case, Snapchat was creating a disruption to the learning environment."
Wake blocks other apps such as Facebook, Instagram and some websites, but not Twitter. Luten said district administrators constantly review whether to block or allow specific applications and websites.
Cumberland County and Durham County Public Schools also ban the use of Snapchat on their networks. Cumberland allows the use of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, while Durham bans all three citing a strict policy against the use of electronic devices.
Students in Wake County are not happy with the school district's decision.
@WCPSS it's not like snapchat is causing any harm taking away insta was fine but not snapchat. #bringitback
— joanne o (@joanneo5) September 21, 2015
@WCPSS has some sass… If you want to use Snapchat, just don't use the wifi… #wcpss #sass #snapchat #idonthaveenoughdatathough
— Anna Brescia (@annerb_1) September 23, 2015
@WCPSS @AnnaOlson68 Thank God I graduated. Because I hated school because of policies like this. And I think thats why most kids hate school
— Mike (MaGzz) (@zvoidteam) September 21, 2015
One student at Holly Springs High School said the blocking of Snapchat makes her dread school even more.
Students have started an online petition in hopes of getting service restored. The petition notes that Snapchat increases student enjoyment and is a good way to share information.
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