How to block Google Games on school networks and devices

Listen to an audio version of this post:

Cartoon snakes moving across the screens of learner iPads and Chromebooks have become a common sight on a given school day. This isn’t such a welcome sight for teachers, though, when schoolwork sits ignored. The learners using these devices may wish to slither out of sight when grading periods end, dreading their parents’ reaction to disappointing marks below their expectations.

The particular appeal that doodle snake game holds for K-12 learners makes it an ongoing challenge in schools. Because the game is so compelling for learners, they constantly seek out bypasses. For administrators, keeping up has become more like a game of whack-a-mole. In this blog, we’ll explore how to block Google Games and address the moving target of learner distraction.

Why reducing distractions makes a difference for K-12 learners

Kids looking for ways to goof off when they have school work to do is nothing new. Games are not the only thing distracting them from finishing assignments. Involvement on social media, streaming services and with messaging, gambling and shopping are other common ways K-12 learners working in an online environment get off track. 

Unfortunately, learners are unlikely to be aware of the long-term cost of distraction. Research shows that indeed distraction does have negative consequences. Therefore, while Google Games may seem endearing and innocent, schools and edtech providers do have a responsibility to manage their use during school hours. 

Future success for learners pivots on how well they are able to balance work and play. Playing games, like shopping and chatting with friends, can have their place in a learner’s life in moderation. Without limits, these activities have the potential to become very addictive, especially when learners are under stress.  

There are many reasons for schools to moderate or block certain content found online aside from preventing learners from becoming distracted in the classroom. Topping the list are:

1. Legal obligation to provide a safe learning environment for minors at the federal level and in many states.
2. Improving school network performance 
3. Ensuring security from outside risks 

As a company dedicated to providing technology that truly supports educators and learners, Hāpara recommends addressing learner distraction with a multi-tiered approach. This blends network, device and instructional interventions.

Blocking Google Games at the network level

Blocking games at the network level isn’t without its challenges. Although several options exist to help schools disable games, some are expensive and clunky. The most effective method depends on your school’s technology setup.

Broad-level filtering

Typically, blocking Google Games on a school network requires administrative access and control over the network’s filtering or device management systems. Administrators with control over core domain name systems (DNS) settings of their school network may exercise the option of broad level filtering that could include router and firewall level modifications. 

Schools can block certain websites from eventually reaching learner devices with web proxy servers, router-based blocking and network firewalls. Each of these methods work in different ways, but all of them can be used to keep learners from accessing content and websites that are off limits during the school day. 

Web proxy servers

Web proxy servers provide a barrier between the learner’s device and the internet allowing the learner’s search to filter through the web proxy where it is either accepted or denied based on the nature of the search. This method can be very efficient since it works in real time. However, it does require a complex set up on each device and can often slow down the internet speed.

Network firewalls

Network firewalls, similar to web proxy servers, monitor traffic on each device and can block certain website types by IP address. Unfortunately, network firewalls do require technical skills to manage and usually use expensive hardware. 

Router-based blocking

Router-based blocking, on the other hand, is easy to set up and works for all devices connected to the network. It allows schools to  take advantage of the gatekeeping features already built-in to their internet routers to block websites. The downside to this method is it only can manage basic blocking, and there are complications reaching all websites. 

Blocklists of gaming site URLs at the filter level are another common way schools keep learners from accessing games. 

For a school that uses Google Workspace, one simple option is to manage access to games and apps directly from the Google Admin console. This also can work in schools that have managed Chromebooks.

Web filtering software

Internet or web filtering software blocks or permits access to websites based on keywords, categories or URLs. This allows schools to control and monitor internet access for users on its system. With content filters, IT administrators can create a policy to block websites by category such as Google Games, Games or Gaming. 

Sensitive AI filters that analyze content in real time are an option for some institutions. More affordable filters such as Gaggle Web Filter provide schools similar advanced features, like filtering based on keywords or machine learning analysis. All these options facilitate compliance with CIPA and state regulations while helping prevent learners from accessing games as well as other distracting or inappropriate content.

Blocking Google Games at the device level

Using a dedicated web filtering tool along with classroom management tools from a reliable vendor gives schools more granular control and supports teachers in real time. These tools work well in conjunction with network-level options to provide multi-layered protection.

In an online environment, having a clear picture of what’s happening on each learner’s screen helps teachers keep tabs on learners’ attention. Hāpara Highlights allows teachers to direct learners while they work online during class, as well as reroute learners from distracting activities like games. 

Monitoring tools that help keep learners focused

To help learners with managing their time on assignments and projects, teachers can use Guide Browsing and Close Tabs. A recent addition is Block Tabs which gives teachers who are closing a tab the option of keeping it closed for a duration of time or the entire class period to prevent it from being repeatedly reopened. This is particularly helpful when a learner, group or learners or the entire class is bent on finishing a game they’ve started.

With its focus and filter sessions features, teachers can use Hāpara Highlights to create structured browsing sessions for their classrooms. A Filter Session can be used to block specific websites or pages such as ones that feature games during a specific time period set by the teacher. Focus Sessions provide additional focus by allowing learners to only visit specific websites or pages for a period of time. Teachers can use both features with individual learners or create groups.

Supporting students with differentiated learning

Having the ability to create groups makes Hāpara Highlights stand out from many other screen monitoring offerings on the market. Teachers can take advantage of many of the features to differentiate instruction and provide digital citizenship support.

Additionally, educators can easily give personalized support with direct formative feedback through the Announce message feature and Snaps feature so learners understand where they are excelling and where they can make improvements. 

Hāpara also provides support to administrators for preventing and troubleshooting common techniques learners use to disable or bypass Hāpara Highlights. 

Managing game playing at the instructional level

There are instructional solutions to common issues that arise in the classroom, including learners being drawn to games. Numerous factors contribute to learners losing focus. Certain age groups, due to their stage of brain development, struggle with filtering out unnecessary information. Some learners may have auditory issues or other learning challenges. Anxiety has become more prevalent in K-12 learners in recent years.

Structured learning environments both real-life and online help form a firm foundation for teaching and learning. Teachers who set consistent expectations, practice positive behavior strategies and present instruction in formats that learners easily understand build upon this base. All together, these components serve in reducing confusion in the classroom and support a focused atmosphere.  

In light of numerous distractions that learners encounter daily, both internally and externally, it is essential that they develop skills to manage their impulses. Built into the design of Hāpara Highlights are several features that support teachers in gradually guiding students until they demonstrate the ability to make responsible choices and function independently while learning online. These tools help schools provide a stable classroom environment that not only supports long-term learner success but allows teachers to recognize the learners who are staying focused on school work. 

Finally, analyzing what makes games like Doodle Snake so tempting and incorporating some of those elements into the curriculum can blur the line between working and playing. Many teachers have found success with gamification as well as activities that encourage learners to think like game designers and become active creators of their fun. Regulating Google Games at school is a way that educators can help learners avoid making choices parallel to colliding head on into walls.