How do I get Facebook on my school computer?

Quick Answer

Most schools block access to social media sites like Facebook on their networks. However, there are a few ways you may be able to get Facebook on a school computer:

• Use a web proxy or VPN to bypass the school’s firewall and access blocked sites.
• Try using the mobile version of Facebook if the full site is blocked.
• Ask your teacher or IT department to unblock Facebook for educational purposes.
• Use remote desktop software to access your home computer that has Facebook.

Keep in mind that accessing blocked sites on school computers is usually against school policy. Only do so if you have permission or for educational purposes.

Using Web Proxies and VPNs

One of the most common ways students get around school firewalls is by using web proxies or Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

A web proxy acts as an intermediary between you and the site you are trying to access. When you connect through a proxy, the school’s network sees your traffic as going to the proxy site rather than the blocked destination. There are many free web proxies available online that can bypass school firewalls. However, schools often block known proxy sites, so you may have to search for lesser-known proxies.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a server operated by the VPN provider. This masks your online activities from your school’s network. With the VPN active, you can access Facebook even if it is blocked. There are free VPN options, but paid services usually work better and are more reliable for bypassing firewalls.

Using proxies or VPNs usually goes against school network policies. If caught, you may face disciplinary action. Only use these tools if you have permission from the school, such as for a class project that requires access to blocked sites.

Tips for Using Proxies and VPNs:

• Search for “free web proxy” to find available proxy sites.
• Test different proxies since schools block the well-known sites.
• Free VPN services like ProtonVPN and TunnelBear offer limited free use.
• Paid VPN providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN work better and have more servers.
• Use HTTPS proxies or enable encryption in your VPN for secure connections.
• Clear your browser history and cookies after using proxies or VPNs.

Accessing the Mobile Facebook Site

Another option is attempting to access the mobile version of Facebook if the full desktop site is blocked. Schools sometimes block the main Facebook website but forget to block m.facebook.com.

To access the Facebook mobile site on a school computer:

1. Open your web browser and go to m.facebook.com.
2. Log into your Facebook account on the mobile site.
3. The mobile interface looks different but you can still post updates, view feeds, chat with friends, etc.
4. Bookmark the mobile site so you can easily return to it.

The mobile site has limited functionality compared to the desktop version but can work in a pinch if the main site is blocked. The downside is that schools can also choose to block the mobile URL if they discover students accessing it.

Requesting Access for Educational Purposes

Rather than sneak around firewalls, you can be upfront with your school about wanting Facebook access. There are legitimate educational uses for Facebook in the classroom when properly supervised.

Here are some tips for requesting Facebook access for schoolwork:

• Ask your teacher if they will support a request to the IT department.
• Explain what types of educational activities you will use Facebook for.
• Agree to use Facebook only for those supervised activities if the request is approved.
• Emphasize that other schools allow educational Facebook use.
• Offer to sign an acceptable use policy about proper Facebook use.
• Suggest access only during specific classes or lab hours if full access is denied.

Getting teacher and administration approval for educational Facebook access is the safest option rather than attempting to circumvent school firewalls. However, schools often still deny these requests due to concerns about improper use without constant supervision.

Using Remote Desktop Software

If you have a computer at home with Facebook access, you can use remote desktop software to access it from a school computer. Remote desktops allow you to control your home computer remotely as if you were sitting in front of it.

Here are some remote desktop options:

• TeamViewer – Free for personal use. Easy to set up and cross-platform.
• Chrome Remote Desktop – Free Chrome extension for remote access between Chrome browsers.
• Windows Remote Desktop – Built into Windows. Can access another Windows PC.
• AnyDesk – Free for personal use. Works across many platforms.

To access your home computer with Facebook from school:

1. Install remote desktop software on your home computer.
2. On your school computer, install the remote client and connect to your home computer.
3. When connected, you will see and control your home computer screen.
4. Open Facebook in your home computer’s browser and use it.

This approach requires remote desktop access to be configured at home. It also depends on your home computer being powered on with an active internet connection. But when set up properly, it can provide full access to the Facebook desktop site.

Using Social Media for Education

When accessed appropriately, social media like Facebook can be a valuable education tool. Here are some examples of using Facebook for schoolwork:

• Collaborating on group projects through Facebook groups.
• Holding classroom discussions on closed Facebook threads.
• Following education news and thought leaders.
• Researching information shared publicly on Facebook.
• Learning about marketing by following business Facebook pages.
• Practicing social skills through classroom interactions.

Proper monitoring and ground rules must be implemented by teachers. But giving students limited social media access teaches them responsible internet use. Rather than outright banning sites like Facebook, schools should help students take advantage of social media for education as it becomes an increasingly important digital skill.

Dangers of Accessing Blocked Sites

While there are ways around school firewalls, students should carefully consider the consequences before accessing blocked social media sites without permission:

• Schools monitor network activity for proxy and VPN use to detect students evading blocks.
• You can face disciplinary action if caught circumventing network policies.
• Accessing unsecured web proxies exposes you to malware and data theft.
• Testing blocked sites takes time away from schoolwork.
• Facebook use without supervision can lead to cyberbullying or sharing inappropriate content.

Rather than risk punishment or enable bad habits, focus your school time on learning. There will be plenty of opportunities to access Facebook from home or mobile devices after school hours. If social media is needed for a school project, open a dialogue with teachers on getting limited access for educational purposes only.

Conclusion

While most schools block Facebook and other social sites, students still find ways of accessing them on school computers. This usually goes against acceptable use policies. However, there are legitimate educational uses for supervised Facebook access. Discuss options with your teachers for requesting limited access for classroom activities. With proper monitoring and ground rules, social media like Facebook can become a valuable learning tool in the classroom.