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Monday
Oct182010

Tasers in schools? 

This afternoon after picking up my kids at school, I tweeted:

@phdinparenting: DS described a "machine" that is teacher has. I didn't realize tasers were legal in schools.


The replies started to flow in as I made dinner, ranging from disbelief to outrage. Let me explain and then maybe you can help.

Julian said his teacher had a machine that you hold up to someone's body and then it goes "dddzzzzztttt" (how do you spell a buzzing sound like I imagine a taser would make?). The actions he made while describing it, made it look just like someone taking a taser to someone else's body.

After further probing, it seems like it is some sort of a toy (apparently the kids were allowed to use it on each other and it was funny), but I still imagine this being a taser-like "toy". The school is pretty anti-weapon, so I can't imagine this is a taser toy, but I have no clue what it could be. I don't want to make a big deal out of what is probably nothing by writing a note to the teacher in his agenda, but I do plan to ask her about it when I do see her.

Anyone have any idea what this could be?
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Reader Comments (21)

No clue. I have a 10 yr old, and I can't think of anything.

I would skip the agenda, and try to 'run into her' upon drop off or pick up. Casually mention that your DS found the 'machine' really fun, and ask 'What was it anyway? I couldn't quite picture it...' Then if it was a pencil sharpener that they were playing with you can laugh and go on your merry way, and if it was something you are not comfortable with - you can address it. Accurately.

Having a son with a language based learning disability I know to not walk into a discussion without the facts. :) Let us know what you find out.

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDreamom

A few years ago kids at my school had some kind of pens they were buying at the swap meet that could shock people. They were banned from school! There are the usual shocking bubble gum and hand buzzers. Could be something similar.
Check these out:
http://www.prankplace.com/subcategory.aspx?d=Shocking-Pranks&c=132

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterJennifer

I remember being a kid and there were those joke buzzers that "magicians" had. They concealed them in their hand and when you went to shake their hand you were "buzzed" forcefully. Maybe something like this? Goodness I hope it wasn't a real taser. Good luck!

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterElizabeth

One of those gag handshake buzzers? Or a no-bark dog collar?

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterEllie

I imagine it's probably one of those joke buzzers. Kids tend to use them on other body parts than hand (my brothers scarred me for life pressing them into their crotch. TMI?)
Anyway, other possibility is a toy I've seen around Christmas time the last few years - essentially it's a static electricity arc. You click the button a few times and there's two prongs with a slight current running through them. Not sure what it's actually meant for - just as a science toy? But one of our neighbour's kids had it a couple of years ago and all the kids were shocking each other with it.
All you can do is ask. I doubt it's a toy meant to replicate a taser - it was probably part of a science experiment about conduction or electricity.

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterDara

I don't think that you should waste time trying to figure out what it could be. Simply ask the teacher. It may be a gag toy, but it may not be. I would feel so badly for the kids if she/he is showing the kids something that is dangerous.

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLisa

Lisa:

I'm not planning to waste time on it. I just thought since my readers are smart and chatty people that they might want to comment if they think they know. Many of them have children older than mine and the answer might be completely obvious to everyone but me. :)

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterphdinparenting

I'm gonna guess science toy or handshake buzzer. Either way doesn't seem like something to be playing with at school without explanation of static electricity or whatever and it sounds like so far at least your son hasn't gotten any scientific knowledge about this thing. Maybe it was a teaser and he'll explain the science tomorrow now that they're all interested. Good luck!

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMaman A Droit

I don't know but I want to hear if you find out. Sounds like it was harmless and fun so you have the right attitude.

October 18, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterGina

Could it be one of those handshake "buzzers"? Like a gag?

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterkelly @kellynaturally

The hand buzzers are a good idea. I was thinking those vibrating back massagers also make a noise kind of like that (or it would sound like that if you were trying to tell a story). I know the nieces and nephews love to play with those things...

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterBecky

A handshake buzzer was my first thought, not a taser. And if I were concerned about what it is, I'd just ask the teacher.

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterJenny

As long as it isn't a *ahem* personal massager (sorry, my DH is out of town so I have something else on my mind!).

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterRae

it's probably a taser - the firm which manufactures them has been authorised to release them in schools, especially kindergartens, to test them out on the more vulnerable members of society .... i think they have dropped the voltage to sub-lethal levels for this batch

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterpomomama aka ebbandflo

I vote a toy tricorder.

I know, I know. That's not it. But I wish it was.

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterLiz

OK, this totally made me laugh. Understanding, of course, that your tongue is firmly planted in cheek. ;)

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAmber

I asked Julian to find out what it is called at school today. Apparently it is a buzzer.

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterphdinparenting

...and I was certain it was an independent thought alarm.

October 19, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterAlison

amber ......... ;)
unless SD43 have a new policy (we had another Chat with Wee Guy's teachers yesterday and they didn't mention it for using on him so i think we're safe?)

October 20, 2010 | Unregistered Commenterpomomama aka ebbandflo

I've never encountered any kind of 'toy' taser but it can be anything. With new things invented in a day, I won't be surprised if it were the kiddie taser some suggested. So it's better if you ask the teacher straight out. Just call him or drop by his office so it won't appear top 'official' compared to a written one.

Goodluck! Hope it's nothing harmful to the kids.

October 21, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterSteph

Sounds like you figured it out, but I thought it might also be one of those hand-held massagers. We had one that was shaped like a mouse and provided hours of amusement for the kids. (It was a bit of a weird gift from DH's uncle, since I'm fairly sure it's intended purpose was as a vibrator, but hey, the guy had a sense of humour).
A friend of mine got a note from her son's JK teacher that said: "I won't believe everything the kids say about, if you promise not to believe everything they say about me." A good rule.

October 21, 2010 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle @ doudoubebe.com
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