Sprayground bags branded ‘dangerous’ - Parents fear images on trendy backpack send dark messages

Just when Jamaica thought it had closed the chapter on the infamous 'dunce bag' saga, a new fashion frenzy has stormed through the gates - backpacks plastered with angry bears, bloodthirsty sharks, a raging Tasmanian devil, and even graveyard graphics.

The pricey Sprayground bags have quickly become the hottest trend among Jamaican students, but not everyone is impressed. Stewart Jacobs, president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), fears these flashy designs are blurring the line between innocent childhood fun and sinister influences.

Jacobs says Sprayground bags cross that line as "they suggest and infer things that are not suitable for children".

"We are just not learning," blasted Stewart Jacobs, after being contacted by THE STAR.

"We have still not learnt to differentiate and to put a clear line of demarcation between adults and children, as well as education and the purpose of schools," he said.

When asked if the designs are more dangerous than the dunce bags, Jacobs did not hesitate.

"They are more dangerous, they suggest and infer things that are not suitable for children to be exposed to, more so the advertising or glorification of wrongdoing."

Back in 2023, the controversial dunce-branded bags attracted criticisms from all quarters of society, and the makers of the bags were accused of glorifying ignorance and ridiculing academic achievement. Jacobs said it is very sad that two years after the dunce bag saga, Sprayground imagery has forced its way into classrooms. He says the authorities should have nipped the problem in the bud.

"The authorities should never have imported these bags into the country. And if they are being manufactured in the country, they should not be anywhere close in the access of children, where they use it as something to carry their schoolbooks," the national PTA president said.

According to Jacobs, the danger goes beyond appearances. He warns of a subliminal effect on young, impressionable minds.

"These bags are most contrary to the values that schools are trying to entrench in children," he reasoned.

"These graphics can be subliminal, because they see it often and it is going to the brain of the unsuspecting child. The subconscious sees it and after regurgitating for a period of time, the effects become even more real," he added.

Jacobs placed much of the responsibility on parents.

"The parents are responsible, because the child cannot buy the bag. Unfortunately, being ignorant is no excuse, because, as an adult, you should be able to infer from an image whether or not that image is appropriate for your child," he reasoned.

Jacobs has urged parents to seek assistance from the school's guidance counsellor or the school administration if they need clarity when purchasing materials that can become the subject of controversy. He is also imploring parents to research some of the things being promoted by the brands that they are purchasing for their children.

"Instead of using your phone for TikTok, or the same way you use your phone to see how someone dressed to go to a dance or a party, do your research on these graphics," Jacobs said.

"Find out what these images mean, how will my child interpret it, and what does it mean to you as an adult, then ask, is that what I want my child to be exposed to?" Jacobs continued.

Still, on the streets, some see things differently.

Vendor Junior Brown, who has been selling bags in downtown Kingston for more than two decades, says it's all just hype.

"Trends come and go. Children really just go for the characters on the bags, and some because they know it expensive, fi the hype," Brown said.

He explained that the backpacks range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on whether they are knockoffs, mid-grade, or authentic.

"It's just fashion and characters that give us the sale. Them want the latest characters, so you will sell when you have what them want," Brown said.