Browsing the web at school can be more confusing than wrapping your head around trigonometry. You can’t access all the websites you want, or watch videos on YouTube and chat with your friends on Facebook. You might not even be able to download anything. The internet should be a place filled with infinite information, but your school blocks half the web!
Thankfully, you can have access to all the websites you want to visit. Get CyberGhost VPN and regain your freedom to use the internet as it was always meant to be – without restrictions.
Let’s take a quick look at why schools block some websites and how a VPN helps overcome those limits.
Why Do Schools Block Certain Websites?
Schools have valid reasons for limiting your activities on their network, including protecting the school’s computers against malware. While necessary, these firewall blocks can also keep you from accessing helpful websites. That might not be the school’s intention, but they probably won’t do anything to change it.
Here are some of the top reasons why schools have firewall blocks in place.
1. To Limit Bandwidth Usage
Much like your brain can only handle studying for so long, school networks can also only handle so many devices clogging up their bandwidth at a time. Things like streaming, downloading, and using image-laden websites are bandwidth-heavy activities. Some schools decide to block websites that use a lot of data to avoid slow connections. Unfortunately, they’ll also block useful websites if they use too much bandwidth, even if they’re related to education.
2. To Protect Students
The internet is a dangerous place, and if you’re not careful you can run into disturbing people, graphic content, and risky situations. Schools block many websites to protect their students from these malicious parts of the web just like parents do. Social media, forums, and peer-to-peer sharing sites are usually included in that list.
Schools for underage kids aren’t the only ones implementing firewall blocks – it happens in colleges and universities too. In those cases, it isn’t generally about protecting the students, rather it’s about limiting socially unacceptable or sensitive topics or content on campus.
3. To Adhere to the Law
Countries and states have different laws for protecting students. Some also have internet-related laws that force schools to block different types of websites deemed “harmful to minors and adolescents”. That includes topics that lawmakers decide are unacceptable based on their own beliefs or views, even if you don’t feel the same way. Unfortunately, these laws are often broad and in many cases, the laws dictate that parts of history, current news, scientific journals, and even books can be harmful. That means your school might be blocking your access to useful, educational information.
4. To Keep Students Focused
Despite offering unrivaled access to information and educational sources, the internet is also great for wasting time. Schools block distracting websites to curb procrastination. Yet, these websites may have legitimate uses, outside of entertainment purposes. You may like to stream music to help you study or need to use Facebook to share a survey.
What is a VPN?
Simply put, a virtual private network (VPN) is an app that encrypts the internet traffic on your device and reroutes it through a secure server. It can get around blocks because the encryption keeps the firewall from seeing which websites you visit. It’s like when you sneak a snack into class, but you don’t want to share – everyone knows you’re eating something, but they can’t see what it is.
You’ll want to make sure you get a trustworthy VPN with strong encryption protocols. A good VPN ensures your connection stays private without limiting your speeds or bandwidth. You should still be careful online when using a VPN, though. We can’t keep you from downloading malware or from harassment on shady websites.
Download CyberGhost VPN now and stay safe while you access the world wide web!
How Does a VPN Help?
Even if you have a valid reason for visiting a blocked website, your school’s network administrator can’t grant access to every person who asks. They likely wouldn’t want to either. A VPN allows you to choose which websites you can visit and take charge of your own online experience. That way, you can get access to educational content and important information that your school otherwise blocks.
A VPN also provides an added layer of security on your device so outsiders can’t track who or where you are through your connection. Targeted online attacks against schools and students are rising, and many schools aren’t doing enough to bump up their security.
A VPN changes your device’s IP address and increases your online privacy. That means any cyberattackers won’t know who or where you are and won’t be able to harass you. Just make sure the VPN has a No-Logs policy and other security measures like an automatic Kill Switch to ensure your safety and privacy.
In short, here are the reasons why a VPN can help:
- Bypasses firewall filters
- Gives you back control over what you do and see online
- Provides access to previously blocked educational resources
- Adds a layer of extra security to your device
- Makes you safer online to avoid stalking and cyber-bullying
- Unlocks study tools like YouTube Music and Spotify
Why CyberGhost is the Best VPN for School Wi-Fi
CyberGhost VPN offers a range of benefits in and outside of school. We have 116 server locations across 91 countries, so you won’t have trouble finding a server in a location that suits you, whether near your school or in another country.We don’t pose any bandwidth limits–you’re free to watch every educational video on the web or stream hours of music while you study.
On top of giving you ground-breaking connection speeds, we also have servers optimized for streaming and gaming (for when you need a study break). CyberGhost VPN doesn’t limit how you access anything either. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously on one CyberGhost VPN account with easy-to-use apps for every device. Put all of this to the test with our unrivaled 45-day money-back guarantee.
At a glance, here’s what CyberGhost VPN offers you:
- Unrestricted access to your favorite websites
- Multiple simultaneous device connections
- User-friendly apps for all your devices
- Unlimited bandwidth for every device
- Lightning-fast connection speeds
- Global access with 116 server locations over 91 countries.
- Affordable prices with no account limitations
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- Strong encryptions and No-Logs policy for increased online privacy
- Optimized streaming and gaming servers
- Thorough protection against online threats
- Excellent 24/7 customer care
How to Use a VPN at School
You’re going to wish studying calculus was this easy! Just create an account and download the app for your device. Buy CyberGhost VPN and use our apps for every popular operating system, including iOS and Android smartphones, Windows, macOS, Linux computers, and you can even get it to work with smart TVs. Make sure to turn the VPN on and choose a server in your desired location before you start browsing the web.
Note: It’s not wise to download any unauthorized apps on school property, like tablets and computers.
When to Be Cautious With Using a VPN at School
Some schools have strict rules for their computers/Wi-Fi network usage. Your school may have policies that ban students from using a VPN on school property in some way. These policies often mention school computers but could even include your personal devices while you’re connected to their Wi-Fi. It’s a good idea to be cautious if your school has usage policies like these because you don’t want to risk getting into trouble.
The Bottom Line
Your school has many reasons to set up firewall blocks on its network. Don’t let these restrictions hinder your studies! Get CyberGhost VPN today to access all blocked content and enjoy complete online privacy, even on your school’s restrictive and unsafe network.
FAQ
Can I use a VPN at school?
If your school doesn’t have a usage policy against VPNs, then you’re technically free to use one. It’s still a good idea to use the VPN on your personal devices instead of on the school’s computers or tablets. School administrators often don’t appreciate students installing software on school property.
We have apps that are easy to install and use for all your devices, including your iOS or Android phone and your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer.
Is using a VPN at school illegal?
It’s not illegal to use a VPN at school. Yet, the country you live in may ban VPNs which makes them illegal at schools too. Many schools also have rules that might prevent you from using a VPN while connected to the school’s network. If your school allows VPNs, it’s important to choose a trustworthy VPN like CyberGhost. Especially if your school’s Wi-Fi network is public, as it can attract cybercriminals.
Why do schools block certain websites?
Schools block websites for many reasons, including to adhere to the law, to protect students from inappropriate content, and to keep students focused on their studies. The problem is these blocks can prevent you from visiting useful and educational websites too.
VPNs like CyberGhost give you access to those websites because they encrypt and reroute your connection. The school’s firewall can’t see what you’re doing, so it can’t automatically block anything. Contact our 24/7 customer support team if you have any questions about how this works.
Why do schools block VPN websites?
Some schools have rules against using a VPN on campus, and they will generally block VPN websites as well. You can still download a VPN on your phone or laptop at home and then use it at school, but you should be mindful of your school’s rules. CyberGhost VPN uses strong encryption protocols to keep your school’s firewall out of your business, but they may still catch you using a VPN when you shouldn’t.
Can I use a free VPN at school?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Free VPNs are like that person in a group project that does none of the work but takes all the credit. They aren’t safe because they often sell your data to make money. You’ll likely also feel your connection slowing down when using a free VPN because they have small server networks and low bandwidth capacity.
A premium VPN like GhostVPN gives you the best chance to access the websites you want while staying safe online. Have a look at all of the benefits you get with a CyberGhost subscription.
