ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) — Hardin County students will have to leave their Stanley, Owala and other metal or glass water bottles at home this school year.
The district announced on social media Tuesday that students will no longer be allowed to bring metal or glass water bottles onto school campuses or buses. The new policy takes effect when classes begin Aug. 6.
Students can still bring plastic water bottles with plastic lids.
The district said the change comes after reviewing "growing safety and operational concerns."
For Bobby Thompson, a Hardin County parent and school bus driver, the decision makes sense.
"They're falling off desks, they're making loud bangs — they do that on the bus as well," Thompson said. "They can also be used as weapons. We've seen that in the school where they've been used in fights."
Still, he believes the district should have given families more notice before making the change.
"I think to me probably the biggest issue is the short time frame," Thompson said.
In a statement, Hardin County Schools acknowledged the late announcement.
"Administrators reached this decision after reviewing growing safety and operational concerns," the district said. "We apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience this change may cause families."
Hardin County isn't the only district making the change.
The National Council of School Safety Directors said more schools across the country are banning metal water bottles after safety incidents. In Ohio, a teacher was hospitalized after being hit with one. In Pennsylvania, a student suffered serious head injuries after being struck.
Still, the new policy has drawn criticism from some parents. Some questioned the decision on social media, arguing that many everyday items could also be used as weapons.
But others believe the district is making the right call. Jenn Ryan, whose child is entering eighth grade, said while she believes reusable water bottles have become a "new status symbol" for this generation of students, it should not outweigh the safety concerns.
"Unfortunately the many have to pay the price for the few," Ryan said. "Those poor decisions are going to affect everybody, but at the end of the day their job is to keep our kids safe."
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