They’re getting whacked.
A New Jersey school district is banning metal and glass water bottles over fears they could be used as weapons — angering parents who don’t want their children drinking from unhealthy plastic alternatives.
After Howell Township Public Schools parents were sent a letter on Wednesday announcing the embargo for the 2026-2027 school year, peeved parent Christine Bastardi launched a Change.org petition named “Reinstate metal and glass water bottles in Howell Township schools.”
“Our family, like many others, has chosen metal and glass water bottles for the health and environmental benefits they provide,” Bastardi penned in the petition, which already has over 1,000 signatures.
“Studies have shown that certain plastic bottles can leach harmful chemicals, such as BPA(Bisphenol A), into the water. BPA exposure has been linked to numerous health issues, including hormonal disruptions and developmental problems in children.”
She went on to note how environmentally unfriendly the use of plastic is.
“Metal and glass bottles are reusable and durable, making them a preferred choice for reducing our carbon footprint,” she said. “Plastic bottles, however, contribute significantly to pollution, and a large percentage end up in landfills or polluting our oceans, where they endanger wildlife and ecosystems.”
In the Howell Township Public Schools letter to parents, which was signed by Board of Education President Jennifer Okerson and Superintendent Joseph Isola, the district explained the reason behind the ban.
“Metal and glass bottles, tumblers, and cups are rigid, heavy objects that can cause significant injury if thrown, swung, or used during a student altercation,” it said.
“Incidents involving these types of containers have resulted in safety concerns and injuries, prompting the district to take this additional precaution to protect our students and staff.”
The letter also warned that if a child is spotted with one, they “will be required to turn it in to the school office, and a parent/guardian may be required to pick it up.”
In her petition, Bastardi offers a solution to the safety concerns of the district — which includes 12 schools serving Pre-K to 8th graders.
“Schools can implement safety checks to ensure all bottles are suitable for school use by verifying that metal and glass bottles adhere to specific standards,” she wrote.
“Moreover, offering educational programs about the importance of sustainable practices can help nurture responsible habits in students.”
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