Yesterday in my Wordless Wednesday post, I featured the newest craze for tweens and teens: Silly Bandz Bracelets.
Silly Bandz Bracelets are rubber bands that come in various shapes, sizes and colors. The five I featured, ostrich, seal, dolphin, flower, and shark, in that order, are some of the more common bands. As noted in RUN DMT‘s comment, there are also “rare” bands. Rare bands are exchanged for more “common” bands; thereby making a child’s collection grow.
Schools in several states are now banning the Silly Bandz Bracelets. Although I agree they can be a distraction within the class, I do not believe that they should be banned from school altogether. Just like the Baseball or Menudo card craze of my youth, or the Pokemon phase of my teen’s younger years, Silly Bandz Bracelets fill a need for children, particularly elementary age students. They give them a sense of belonging, helping them form healthy friendships, and help teach them savings skills as well.
I believe that Silly Bandz Bracelets are a great way to teach children about money and YES savings and budgeting! How so? Well, children learn to hold onto their commodity, the Silly Bandz Bracelet, as we do with our money, to attain a greater reward, perhaps a “rare” Silly Bandz Bracelet, similar to an adult “want”, or a larger Bandz stash, similar to a savings account. These similarities are great teaching tools within the home and classroom because they use what children understand to explain simple financial concepts.
What do you think? Should Silly Bandz Bracelets be banned from schools?
Click HERE to read the article.
{ 6 comments… add one }
I do not think this trend should be banned. I agree with you, it creates a sense of saving, and I think it also provides a stepping stool to building friendships. My daughter LOVES them and although I do not let her be consumed by them, and I also advise her not to be a distraction in her class, I do allow her to enjoy collecting and trading them.
-Rachel
I agree, the bracelets should be banned in school.
Correction, the bracelets should not be banned in school. children should be able to express themselves as they choose so long as it is not offensive.
What a great thought – using the bracelets as a learning tool as it relates to money!
i am in sixth grade i do not think that these should be banned from school not because i love them but for the reason that school administrator usually always ban things that many people have or are popular. I do not think that these are a distraction. you wear them to school during class u just leave them alone when the bell rings u r free to trade them. I think these are a good way to make children understand their mistakes. For example, if u stay after class to trade w/ someone you might be late for your next class therefore if you are smart you wouldnt do it again
I don’t agree with the banning of the silly bandz, but i do advice that parents just make sure that their children are not using too many or that they fit loose because one concern with the bandz is that they could become really tight if they tangle up or too fit on the child, so i guess is more conscience if the child’s well being. My little brother is six and on the hefty side we noticed that it started cutting his circulation so we just let him use one or two at a time. I agree that it is a trend that the children should be allowed to experience just like we experienced the ones in our time.
I agree that Silly Bandz should not be banned. If they become a distraction in the classroom, I think it would be best to have that student remove them and deposit them in a designated box/envelope/ziploc for them to pick up when they leave that class for that period or day. I think the control of these would actually be a Silly Ban!