At Torrington High School, students and teachers are voicing concerns over the school’s restrictions on YouTube access. While the platform is often associated with entertainment, both teachers and students at THS see it as a valuable educational tool that is now pretty much out of reach.

For many teachers, YouTube has become a key resource for classroom instruction, providing access to documentaries, demonstrations, and tutorials that bring lessons to life. However, these benefits are limited by the school’s internet filters. “I use it as a resource,” said Mr. King, the THS ceramics teacher. “It’s frustrating when we can’t show videos we found as a resource.”

The block doesn’t just affect teachers, it impacts students too. Many report that even videos directly assigned by teachers are unavailable. “Teachers post educational video links, but we can’t watch them because they’re blocked,” THS Senior Madeline McGillicuddy explained.  This restriction often leaves students unable to complete certain assignments or access supplemental materials designed to support their learning.

Administrators may have implemented the restrictions to prevent distractions during class, but some students believe the rules could be more flexible. Annabel O’Marra, another senior at THS explained, “I only watch movies when I have free time in class, and no additional work to do.” Others argue that responsible students should be trusted to use YouTube appropriately.

Even teachers agree that the platform can be acceptable in certain contexts. As Mr. King added, “If you are ahead and finished with work, it’s fine.”

This ongoing block raises questions about how schools in general can balance digital safety and productivity with access to valuable learning tools. As education continues to rely on multimedia and online resources, many at THS hope to see changes that allow for more responsible, educational use of YouTube in the classroom.