Many schools all over the country have placed restrictions on apps, web searches and other electronic uses. These changes have been placed on the students due to the fact that schools are trying to keep students “safe,” but are the rules a little overboard? Many schools have used a blacklisted system where students can’t reach websites that are on a specific list. Schools have also shown force on social media to prevent inappropriate use during school hours on their wifi. I understand that certain websites and applications need to be blocked during school hours or class times, but blocking certain music sites platforms is a step too far during school hours. 

After an in-depth study on Spotify (a music streaming service), Colorado University found that “Listening to any music that is personally enjoyable-be it Mozart or Madonna- can aid memory performance and concentration while studying.” Colorado University not only stated that music shouldn’t be blocked but also stated that it is an educational tool. Many students use music to concentrate or focus on their schoolwork, and when schools block this, students’ performance in class can dwindle. 

An article posted “Negatives of School Music” by classroom.synonym.com explains that “Music on personal devices can often turn into public listening. This can provide a distraction to students who work better under silent conditions.” Basically, they are expressing the concern that bringing devices into school will actually hinder the performance of some students due to the distraction that listening on a personal device will cause. 

I can see how it could be a distraction, but is it really that big of a distraction if most of the students in the class or even the school are doing it? Some students may get distracted by a phone being out, but how often is a phone out for non-educational purposes that doesn’t hinder other students’ learning? That should really be the targeting focus, not music that actually aids students’ achievement and effectiveness on their assignments. 

I know that when I personally do my school work (writing an essay, filling out a document) music has been very helpful to gain focus. With many other students doing the same thing, it really isn’t that much of a distraction. I also don’t even need to use a personal device for the music I listen to. I just hop on a website (on my computer), put on headphones and start listening.

If BFA students really want to get their freedom back in school on websites, music or other platforms, they need to make their point of view known by the administration and get what they deserve.