14 Online Games That Were Blocked at School
Many online games, from classics like RuneScape to modern hits like Fortnite, were blocked at schools because they distracted students and consumed study time.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Schools often found themselves in a constant battle to keep students focused as online games became easier to access. Games like Club Penguin, Coolmath Games, and Roblox provided entertainment but pulled attention away from academics. To curb distraction and protect learning time, administrators resorted to blocking these games across school networks.
1. RuneScape
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This fantasy MMORPG let students battle monsters, complete quests, and trade with other players. Because it was browser-based, many kids logged in during computer lab sessions. Schools blocked it for being too addictive and distracting from academics.
2. Club Penguin
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Disney’s virtual world for kids became a social hotspot with mini-games and penguin avatars. Students would sneak in to decorate igloos and chat with friends. Teachers saw it as more socializing than studying, so it quickly got banned on school networks.
3. Neopets
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This pet-raising site blended games, trading, and a fantasy economy. Many kids logged in daily to feed pets, play mini-games, and earn Neopoints. Schools blocked it because it pulled attention away from assignments and encouraged long hours of gameplay.
4. Coolmath Games
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Although marketed as educational, many of its puzzles and arcade-style games were purely for fun. Students could spend hours on titles like Run or Fireboy and Watergirl. Administrators eventually restricted it, realizing it was less about math and more about procrastination.
5. Fortnite
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Epic Games’ battle royale phenomenon reached classrooms through mobile and browser play. Students often tried to sneak in quick matches during breaks. Its popularity and competitive nature made it one of the first targets for school firewalls.
6. Roblox
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With endless user-generated games, Roblox became a favorite for creative play. Many students built worlds and invited classmates to join. Schools banned it because of its chat features and the amount of time it consumed.
7. Minecraft (Browser and Pocket Editions)
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The block-building game encouraged creativity but also ate up class time. Students would secretly mine and craft instead of paying attention to lessons. Its multiplayer servers made it even harder for teachers to keep students focused.
8. Agar.io
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This simple cell-eating game spread like wildfire due to its quick matches and competitive leaderboard. Students enjoyed teaming up or competing against each other during class. It was blocked when teachers noticed students clicking away furiously on their browsers.
9. Slither.io
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Inspired by Snake, this multiplayer game let players control glowing worms and eat pellets to grow. It became a classroom obsession because rounds were fast and competitive. Schools blocked it to prevent endless sneaky matches.
10. Happy Wheels
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This ragdoll physics game gained notoriety for its violent yet comical gameplay. Students played it for shock value and laughs. Its graphic content made it one of the first games teachers flagged for removal.
11. League of Legends
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The popular MOBA was sometimes accessible on school PCs before restrictions tightened. Matches could last nearly an hour, making it highly disruptive. Schools banned it due to its time commitment and strong competitive scene.
12. World of Warcraft
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Before strict firewalls, WoW tempted students with epic quests and multiplayer raids. Many skipped classwork to grind levels or chat with guildmates. Its subscription model and immersive world made it a prime distraction.
13. Poptropica
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This adventure-based online game combined story quests with exploration. While seemingly educational, kids spent hours solving missions instead of focusing on assignments. Teachers and administrators quickly recognized its addictive quality and blocked it.
14. Among Us (Web or Mobile Versions)
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During the height of its popularity, students secretly played during online classes. The social deduction element made it especially tempting to play with classmates. Schools cracked down by blocking access to its online servers.