Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Bad idea: Silly Bandz as neckwear

Novelty companies now are making Silly Bandz big enough so kids can wear them around their necks like necklaces or, worse, chokers.
Silly Bandz, in case you’ve been living in a cave this year, are those silicone bracelets that come in themed packs with different shapes. Some are shaped like animals, others sporting gear, etc. They’re popular with young kids who like to trade them and wear them on their wrists. Silly Bandz is the best known brand but there are many others.
I’ve seen several news reports about doctors warning parents that the rubbery bands can be dangerous. (See this report, for example.) If worn too tight, they can cut off blood flow to a child’s hand.
So imagine my surprise when my 7-year-old son told me they were making extra large silicone bands that kids could wear around their necks.
Sure enough, we saw a boy at McDonald’s the other day in Norwalk, Conn., wearing some around his neck. (See above photo.) That’s a very bad idea. I wonder how long it will be before we hear about the first injury from this trend.

No comments: