Agar.io, the popular computer game, is getting out of hand.  The next time one of your classes has computers, look around and count the number of people playing Agar.io.  The answer?  Too many.  Agar.io is becoming a major distraction in class, and students would be better off if it were blocked.

First of all, for those of you who don’t know, Agar.io is a game in which the object is to become the biggest blob in the game.  You do this by eating other blobs and trying not to get eaten yourself.  It is a game that is incredibly simple, but it is also shockingly addictive, much like Flappy Bird.  

So why is this game a problem?  Well, since it is so addictive, people play it a lot.  That equates to a lot of class time spent not paying attention or doing assignments.  This, obviously, results in less learning.

Also, when someone next to you is playing Agar.io, it is very easy to start watching their game and stop paying attention or doing your work.  So that starts to create a domino effect — one person stops doing what they’re supposed to do to play Agar.io, so others stop doing what they’re supposed to do to watch or join the game.

So, what’s the solution to this problem?  Well, some would say that it’s to simply not allow Agar.io.  Really?  According to the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, it already isn’t allowed.  As the District Student Discipline Policy states, students are not allowed to have “possession and/or use of any electronic device, including a computer, in a manner, which threatens or intimidates others and/or disrupts the educational process.”  Agar.io certainly “disrupts the educational process.”  But despite this, people continue playing Agar.io, often without teachers noticing.  The “ban” isn’t working, and Agar.io is becoming a bigger and bigger distraction.

So the solution, despite what gamers may post in the comments, is to block Agar.io.  Preventing students from playing it would help them to pay attention and do their work in class because they woudn’t have Agar.io as a distraction.

Of course, blocking Agar.io will not single-handedly improve grades and test scores.  Simply blocking one game can’t have that profound of an effect.  

However, Agar.io is one of the biggest distractions in class.  Removing that distraction is a big step in the direction towards more learning.