Boise School District announces TikTok ban on school devices, network. Here’s why, when
Just weeks after Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 274, which prohibited employees of state-funded agencies from using or downloading the social media app TikTok on state-issued devices, the Boise School District announced on Wednesday that it is following suit.
The school district emailed parents, students and staff that TikTok access will be blocked through school-provided internet and devices starting Friday. The district has also instructed staff to remove TikTok from any district-owned device, such as laptops and mobiles.
The push toward banning TikTok — a social media platform where people can upload and view short-form videos — comes after the FBI warned in November that China might be using the app to spy on Americans.
Beijing-based company ByteDance owns TikTok. FBI director Chris Wray warned lawmakers in November that the Chinese government could use the app to gain users’ personal information, from lawmakers to high school students.
The warning prompted Little to sign an executive order banning the app from state-issued devices and networks last December. State legislators made the policy Idaho law through House Bill 274. Idaho is one of 37 states that have taken action to ban the app on state-owned devices.
The ban for Boise School District students and employees will make it challenging but not impossible to use TikTok during school hours.
The district issues laptops to every student, meaning the app will be blocked on those laptops. Any mobile device connected to a district network will also be unable to access the app. Students can still access TikTok on their personal devices while not connected to a school network.
“For students who are using TikTok to communicate school-related activities, information and events, please work with your club advisor, coaches or school administration to develop alternative student engagement strategies,” the email read.
This story was originally published April 12, 2023 at 12:53 PM.
