A public school district in Indiana has introduced a new rule prohibiting the use of metal water bottles, including popular brands like Stanley, Yeti, and Owala, due to concerns that they could be used as weapons. The School City of Hammond district, located in northwestern Indiana—about 30 minutes from Chicago, Illinois—announced the policy to parents on Wednesday. In a letter sent to families, the district explained that while these bottles are widely used by students, they can pose a risk when used as blunt objects in school settings. The ban applies to all school properties and goes into effect immediately. Under the new rule, students are no longer allowed to carry metal drink containers through school hallways or buildings. Instead, they are encouraged to use plastic bottles as an alternative. The policy comes amid growing concerns about school safety, especially in the wake of incidents involving objects being used as weapons in educational settings. Metal water bottles have become increasingly popular in recent years, with brands like Yeti, Stanley, and Owala dominating the market. These reusable containers are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and sizes, and are used by people of all ages. Their popularity has been fueled in part by social media, where users often showcase their durability in extreme situations. In November 2023, a TikTok video featuring Danielle went viral, showing how her Stanley cup survived a car fire with only minor cosmetic damage. The clip, which was viewed nearly 100 million times, led to Stanley purchasing a new car for her. In another TikTok post from October, a man named Binoy shared a photo of his Owala bottle with a noticeable dent. He explained that he used it to defend himself during a home invasion, striking two individuals. Owala responded by sending him a gift package of its products and offering an all-expenses-paid weekend getaway.