When you hear the word "clickers," you might wonder what they are. Let me explain. Clickers are simple toys made of two plastic balls tied together with strings. Children enjoy tossing these balls into the air or twirling them around, creating a distinct "click-click" sound.
But why am I writing a blog about a toy called clickers? The reason is alarming—clickers, despite their innocent appearance, are a dangerous toy that has become increasingly popular. It’s common to see clickers in the hands of nearly every other child these days. But how can a toy like this be deadly? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog.
First, let’s delve into the history of clickers. Originally, this toy was created in the United States, where the balls were made of glass. Children would enjoy the unique sound produced as they tossed or spun these balls.
However, over time, children began using clickers as a weapon. They would keep them in their school bags, and during fights, they would hit each other with the clickers, causing serious injuries, including bleeding.
In the 1960s and 70s, the U.S. government, recognizing the harm caused by clickers, decided to ban them. The toy was removed from stores, and a campaign was launched in schools where police officers would check each student’s bag and confiscate any clickers found. This toy largely disappeared in the U.S., but in Pakistan, clickers and their distinctive sound remain highly popular. It’s common to see children on almost every street playing with clickers.
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Today’s clickers are no longer made of glass but of plastic or wood. However, they are just as dangerous. Children here also use them to hit each other during fights. Research has shown that clickers are addictive. Those who play with them often become hooked, wanting to play again and again—a dangerous trend. Many children have been severely injured, with some even losing their eyesight due to being hit by the balls.
Clickers go by various other names, such as clinkers, click clacks, knockers, bonkers, and even bone crackers. The name "bone clicker" was used in the U.S. because the toy was known to be capable of breaking bones.
It’s not just children who are fascinated by clickers; adults also enjoy playing with them. The unique clicking sound is incredibly enticing, capturing the interest of anyone who hears it.
Given the dangers associated with this toy, Pakistanis should consider boycotting clickers. A campaign should be launched to raise awareness and eliminate this deadly game from our country, preventing further harm.
