Sounding more like an outlaw with warrants out for their arrest, Silly Bandz are now being banned at summer camps and pools. It seems the colorful bracelets that become cute shapes when not worn are now accused of disintegrating easily in chlorinated water and clogging pool filters.
Camp directors are also discovering the little campers are more interested in trading the bands than they are in participating in activities. Some are saying the bands are a health risk when too many are worn causing blood circulation problems. Most are calling on parents to teach their children to be more responsible when wearing the bracelets.
All the bad publicity doesn't worry Robert Croak, CEO of BCP Imports who helped launch the craze that attracts fans of all ages. Experts say Silly Bandz will leave Beanie Babies and Webkinz in the kid-trend dust. Bandz and imitators are estimated to now be a $200 million-a-year business - with $1 billion a future possibility.
Over 250,000 fans have joined the Silly Bandz Facebook site. Most fans are talking about where they can pick up packs that retail in most places for $4.95 for a set of 24. Marketing gurus are marveling at the way the fad has taken the nation by storm. There have been no paid advertisements for the product. On the company's web site, there is a commercial as well as highlights on what new styles including glitter sea animal shapes that are now available.
According to Wikipedia, Silly Bandz were first sold on-line in November 2008, then gained popularity in Birmingham, Alabama stores in the fall of 2009 and were widespread across the south by October 2009. The next month, the bands moved up the east coast of the United States, reaching New Jersey, Long Island, and Staten Island. As of April 2010, the bracelets made Amazons list of best-selling toys and games.
School administrators are reviewing policy to find a way to stop the Silly Bandz from making their way back into the classrooms when most schools open back up at the end of summer break.
Many school administrators have already banned the bracelets from causing distractions from learning due to trading and hurt feelings when the trade doesn't go well. Factor in the bracelets becoming missiles when launched like a rubber band across the classrooms and most educators agree that home may be the best place for over hyped colorful bands to stay. Watch the video below for more on the school bans.
What are your thoughts on tweens wearing the bracelets - fun fad or unnecessary accessory? Add in your comments below.
Comments
Oops! I just sent 50 to my daughter at camp for her birthday. I hope she doesn't get kicked out! ;-)
I've never heard of these, but I remember when just the colored rubber bands were a craze and I have buckets of beanie babies to prove we were part of that fad! :)
I have never heard of these before. If they cause such a danger to blood circulation why aren't they on the recall list? Or better, off the shelves till the problem is fixed?
This should be looked at more closely if there is a health risk involved.
I really don't see what's so cool about them...I mean, Beanie Babies were cool, at least you could play with them. These just seem really dumb to me.
My children love them too! I do not see any harm in them. The only exception would be small children putting them into their mouths. They are fine for ages 5-15. If you child has large wrists, they may be a little snug.
Stupid kid silly bandz rock and should not be band i am saying this like a 10 year old kid here!!!!
I was introduced to these things on the evening news. My teenage boys 19 & 15 are obviously not into these. They look fun and are interesting for kids to trade. BUT~ once a health issue arises, enough is enough!
I was at a Cincinnati Reds game this weekend and watched my 6 year old trade with a Reds fan behind him. It was harmless and we laughed a bit - but camp has warned us already - they are NOT allowed. We just can't figure why so many kids and counselors still have an arm full.....
they rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Actually the other reason the r being banned is because many of these "silly bands" are being traded for sexual favors in schools and yes, while it could be kids announcing what they are willing to do it could also be that these are just some cool bright colored rubber bands that kids thing are cool. The entire issue/debate is ridiculous. The same goes for those plastic bands from a while back. while i'm sure some kids did use them to signify ow far they would go, must of them probably just saw it a a fashion trend. I know i had some black ones but i just had them, i wasn't trying to say i would sleep with people just because i had the bands. honestly fashion and what kids do changes so often. the trend is already wearing out, the only reason it has lasted this long is because everyone is making a big deal about it. Just let it drop, and the world will move on and stop revolving around somethings as stupid as glorified rubber bands. Gosh fight world hunger or aids in Africa... help Hat
They should just let kids be kids. Silly Bandz are popular for most girls up 2 age 13... obviously the kids are gonna be upset if people take them away. And pre teens don't cry when "a trade doesn't go well". To me, thats kinda odd. I have two daughters, aged 12 and 9 and both love Silly Bandz! they're just fun acsessories!!!
<3
P.S- Usually guys arent into Silly Bandz... unless they're gay
Lol.
im like silly bandz and im not gay but they can be 4 anyone they do make kentucky wildcat bandz
Hanna needs to wake up - these are popular with both girls & boys! I have 5 & 8 year old sons and they think these are the coolest things ever. They enjoy trading with other GIRLS & BOYS at their day-care and school. With everything else in life - if you don't like it, don't do it!
Im 15 and im just getting into then i used to think they were dumb but i actually like them i got tired of being a standout cuz im different in everyway from other people but i decided i can have 1 way not to be different and thats silly banz i have 4 of them that have been given to me by friends
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