13 Toys That Got Banned in Schools in the 2000s

The 2000s brought many toys that kids loved but teachers often saw as distractions or safety risks. Schools responded by banning these items to maintain focus and order during class. This list highlights 13 toys that caused enough trouble to be removed from many schoolyards and classrooms.

1. Pokemon Cards

Jarek Tuszyński on Wikimedia Commons

Pokemon cards were everywhere, causing fights and distractions during lessons. Kids traded, collected, and sometimes gambled with their cards on school grounds. Teachers found it difficult to manage the disruptions and occasional thefts. Many schools banned them to keep classrooms focused on learning.  

2. Beanie Babies

Ty Inc on Wikimedia Commons

Beanie Babies were tiny stuffed animals that kids brought everywhere, including school. They became trading items and sometimes led to conflicts over rare versions. Because of distractions and concerns over lost or stolen toys, schools often prohibited them.

3. Yo-Yos

Sarah Jones on Wikimedia Commons

Yo-yos were classic toys making a comeback but quickly became classroom distractions. Some kids used them to show off tricks during lessons, causing interruptions. There were also safety concerns about swings hitting others. Many schools banned yo-yos to avoid these issues.

4. Hacky Sacks

Biggins on Wikimedia Commons

Hacky Sacks encouraged kids to kick small bean bags around, which often got out of hand indoors. The game was noisy and could lead to accidents or damage to property. Teachers found it hard to keep students focused when hacky sacks were involved. Schools banned them to reduce distractions and safety risks.

5. Slap Bracelets

Anntinomy on Wikimedia Commons

Slap bracelets were trendy accessories, but some versions had sharp edges once the outer covering wore off. Injuries led to many schools banning them for safety reasons. Even before injuries, slap bracelets were considered distractions in the classroom.

6. Laser Pointers

Pang Kakit on Wikimedia Commons

Laser pointers became popular gadgets, but their misuse caused problems in schools. Some students shined lasers into classmates’ eyes or at teachers. Because of safety and disciplinary concerns, laser pointers were often banned on school property.

7. Tazos

Lucas Hempa on Wikimedia Commons

Tazos were collectible discs that kids swapped and used for games during school hours. Like trading cards, they caused distractions and occasional fights, so teachers often banned them to prevent interruptions and conflicts.

8. Pogs

Nizzan Cohen on Wikimedia Commons

Pogs were small collectible cardboard discs used in a game that became a huge fad. Playing with Pogs took attention away from lessons, sometimes leading to arguments over ownership. Schools banned Pogs to keep classrooms orderly.

9. Beyblades

Senior Airman Clayton Lenhardt on Wikimedia Commons

Beyblades were spinning top toys that kids battled during recess and even in classrooms. Their metal parts raised safety concerns, especially when fights got physical. Many schools banned Beyblades to avoid injuries and distractions.  

10. Water Guns

Dean Hochman on Wikimedia Commons

Water guns were fun outside but problematic when brought to school. Even small water fights could damage property or cause behavioral issues. Because of these risks, schools banned water guns to maintain discipline.

11. Nerf Guns

Marco Hazard on Wikimedia Commons

Nerf guns were soft foam blasters but still caused disruptions in hallways and classrooms. Some students took play fighting too far, leading to injuries or scars. Schools banned Nerf guns to prevent problems and keep the peace.  

12. Trading Card Games

Cpl. Manuel Estrada on Wikimedia Commons

Besides Pokémon, other trading card games like Magic: The Gathering distracted students with trading and playing during class. Conflicts sometimes arose over cards and trades. Schools banned these games to limit distractions and maintain focus.  

13. Fidget Spinners

Fidget Spinner on Wikimedia Commons

Fidget spinners became wildly popular as tools for focus, but they often had the opposite effect. Many students used them as toys, causing noise and distraction during lessons. Due to widespread disruption, schools banned fidget spinners in classrooms.

• Tags:
• Schools
• Toys
• Banned
• Safety
• Distractions