17 Toys You Couldn’t Bring to School but Tried Anyway
Many toys were banned in schools because they caused distractions, made messes, or created safety concerns, but kids still tried to bring them.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Schools often had rules against certain toys that interrupted lessons or led to problems among students. Despite this, many children carried them to school, hoping to play with them during breaks. These banned toys are remembered as a big part of school life because of how tempting they were.
1. Yo-Yos
Sarah Jones on Wikimedia Commons
Yo-yos became popular in classrooms, but teachers saw them as a big distraction. Kids often practiced tricks during lessons instead of paying attention. Some students got hurt when the string snapped or the toy hit someone. Because of this, schools decided they should not be allowed.
2. Slime
Okras on Wikimedia Commons
Slime was fun to play with but created constant messes. It stuck to books, desks, and clothes, which made cleanup difficult. Teachers found it unhygienic and time-consuming to deal with. This led schools to ban slime in classrooms.
3. Game Boys
KoS on Wikimedia Commons
Handheld video games became a major issue for teachers. Kids played them secretly during class, which affected learning. The noise and competition between players made things worse. Teachers often had to take them away to maintain focus.
4. Laser Pointers
彭家杰 on Wikimedia Commons
Laser pointers caused both distractions and safety risks. Students used them to shine lights on walls or point them at classmates. The light could harm the eyes if aimed directly. Schools banned them to prevent accidents.
5. Trading Cards
Jarek Tuszyński on Wikimedia Commons
Trading cards like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! quickly spread among kids. Students argued about trades, and fights broke out over valuable cards. Some cards were stolen, which caused even more problems. Schools banned them to avoid conflicts and distractions.
6. Tamagotchis
Antonio Rubio on Wikimedia Commons
Digital pets needed constant care, which distracted kids during lessons. Students tried to feed or clean them while hiding them under desks. Teachers grew frustrated with the beeping sounds. Schools banned them because they interfered with learning.
7. Silly Putty
Fæ on Wikimedia Commons
Silly Putty bounced and stretched but created issues in classrooms. Students threw it around, which caused noise and disruption. It also stuck to surfaces and ruined books. Teachers banned it to stop the mess.
8. Furbies
Vickie Intili on Pexels
Furbies were electronic toys that talked randomly. Their sudden noises interrupted lessons and annoyed teachers. Some even made sounds during exams. Schools decided they could not be allowed in classrooms.
9. Rubber Bands
Bill Ebbesen on Wikimedia Commons
Students often used rubber bands as slingshots. They shot them at classmates, which caused small injuries. Teachers worried about safety when fights broke out. Rubber bands were quickly added to banned items.
10. Pogs
Nizzan Cohen on Wikimedia Commons
Pogs were used for games that spread across schoolyards. Students played during lessons and argued about rules or lost pieces. Rare pogs often caused fights. Teachers banned them to reduce conflicts.
11. Magic 8-Balls
college.library on Wikimedia Commons
Magic 8-Balls became a distraction because kids used them for answers to everything. Instead of paying attention, students shook them constantly. The toy interrupted both lessons and focus. Schools stopped students from bringing them.
12. Nerf Guns
SAyotte on Wikimedia Commons
Nerf toys turned classrooms into unsafe play areas. Students shot foam darts in halls or classrooms. Teachers worried about broken property and minor injuries. They were banned to maintain safety.
13. Slinky
Roger McLassus on Wikimedia Commons
Slinkies made loud noises when used in classrooms. They often tangled and broke, which caused frustration. Students dropped them from desks, disrupting the room. Schools banned them as they served no purpose in class.
14. Fingerboards
Ukren on Wikimedia Commons
Mini skateboards were noisy and distracting. Kids used them on desks, which made a constant clicking sound. They also caused arguments when toys broke. Teachers banned them for disrupting lessons.
15. Sticky Hands
terri_bateman on Wikimedia Commons
Sticky hands left dirt and marks on walls and ceilings. Students threw them around during class. The toy also bothered classmates when slapped onto clothing or skin. Schools banned them to avoid constant cleanup.
16. Kaleidoscopes
Michalska on Wikimedia Commons
Kaleidoscopes fascinated kids with shifting colors and shapes. Students passed them around instead of listening. Teachers found them distracting during lessons. They were not allowed in classrooms.
17. RC Cars
Shingo.a on Wikimedia Commons
Remote control cars were loud and disruptive. Kids raced them in hallways, which sometimes caused accidents. They took up space and risked damaging property. Schools banned them for safety reasons.