Some schools around New Zealand have moved to ban Crocs and their Jibbitz charms due to a number of issues, including “confusion and occasional disputes over ownership” – and “big kids ‘negotiating’ with little kids” for a trade.
A letter sent to parents and caregivers of students at Woodlands Park school in west Auckland and sighted by Stuff, said Jibbitz were creating issues in the school yard.
“As you may be aware, Jibbitz are small charms that attach to Crocs shoes. These are immensely popular at school and, unfortunately have started to cause a few issues.
“Jibbitz are small and easily misplaced. This has led to instances where students are losing their Jibbitz during school hours, causing unnecessary worry and distraction.”
The letter goes on to detail how students have been trading Jibbitz during class time and lunch breaks.
“While we encourage positive social interactions, trading activities can be disruptive and may result in misunderstandings or disagreements among students.
“With the popularity of Jibbitz, it has become challenging for children to differentiate between their own items and those of their peers. This has caused confusion and occasional disputes over ownership.”
The email said while students would still be able to wear crocs, Jibbitz would be banned.
But South Island-based school Wanaka Primary School has gone one step further – banning Crocs entirely.
In a newsletter published on its first day of term, the school said the shoes were a ‘no-no’, adding they weren’t a part of the school uniform.
“They are not safe to be worn at school, as they are a hazard with phys-ed and in children’s ability to run and be mobile safely. They often do not fit well and are clumsy.”
The newsletter also acknowledged Crocs were creating problems between kids.
“Another issue with the Crocs is that the ‘Jibbitz’ they attach to them can cause issues and upset if lost, or ‘misplaced.
“This morning a group were seen swapping their Jibbitz and there were big kids ‘negotiating’ with little kids. I see these are quite expensive and highly attractive to our young ‘collectors’.”
A footwear favourite of Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, the humble croc has cost the taxpayer $36,351 in the year to March 2023.
Fashion faux-pas or a sartorial staple, depending on who you ask, the croc has people literally falling over, according to data made available by ACC.
With 51 active croc-related claims paid out in the past 12 months, the shoe was to blame for injuries sustained to all parts of the body.
Of new claims made during this period, the body part most in the firing line? The foot, with 15 injuries being attributed to the croc.
Eight ankle injuries were recorded also, with the rest of injuries suffered across the body.
This article has been reproduced with permission from stuff.co.nz.
