Savvy students find ways around TDSB's Wi-Fi block on Snapchat, Instagram, Netflix

Students at Canada's largest school board say they will have no problem getting access to Netflix, Snapchatand Instagramat school despite a temporary Wi-Fiban on the three platforms by using alternate routes to internet access.

The Toronto District School Board announced the ban Tuesday and it is in effectuntil June 30.

CBC Toronto spoke to students about the ban outside a Toronto high school. Some were annoyed butfew were worried, mainly because they said it's easy enough to find other ways to get online.

"You can just use a VPN," said one student. Short for virtual private network, someVPNsallow Internet access through a private network. ManyVPNsare available asapps.

The TDSBsaid it made the movebecauseplatforms like Netflix and Snapchat put a heavy burdenon the board's aging Wi-Fi system, which is used for tasks such as tracking attendance and registering report cards.

Once the upgrade is complete, students will again be able to access the apps through the school's Wi-Fi network.

Could Wi-Fi block be a good thing?

While the TDSB ban is in place, students can still access theplatforms using their own data plans, a move that could boost their monthly bill. For many teenagers, this would mean parents would have to pick up the extra cost.

"We won't be able to use our phones much [because of the ban]," one student told CBC Toronto. "I would probably use data, which will cost a little more but maybe I'll be off my phone more. It might be a good thing during class so I can focus more."

One student said blocking access to Snapchat, Netflix and Instagram will limit his ability to connect with friends.

"I'm a little annoyed at the school system about it," he said. "I'm usually on my phone a lot and I don't have a data plan so this impacts me a lot. I use social media a lot to contact people."

Some students turned to Twitterone popular social media platform not blocked by the ban to ridicule the TDSB'sWi-Fi restriction.