Sales of bulletproof backpacks surged 200% to 300% in the wake of last week's mass shootings, companies say

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Instead of letting their children choose a plastic backpack covered in Hello Kitty or Spider-Man, some parents are purchasing bags that double as shields in case kids get caught in gunfire.

It's a fear particularly potent among parents of young children and especially now, days away from the start of the school year. It's not unwarranted -- CNN examined 10 years of shootings on K-12 campuses and found two sobering truths: School shootings are increasing, and no type of community is spared. Companies like Guard Dog Security, Bullet Blocker and TuffyPacks designed bulletproof backpacks to quell those concerns.

TuffyPacks' sales rose nearly 300% over the past week, according to Naremore. There's a mixed reaction from consumersThe weekend's mass shootings are a painful reminder for parentsRaquel K.W. Donahue decided to purchase a bulletproof insert for her 6-year-old son before he starts first grade. She opted for the insert instead of the pricier backpack because he'll outgrow a bag quickly, and the insert was marketed to last 20 years, she said.

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Are parents going to buy two, one for the front and one for the back? This is a foolish waste of money and only making some leech rich. Plus the child is not going to be wearing a backpack all day. They might as well go out and buy them full body armor instead. BanAssaultWeapons

AudraEqualityMc Absolutely bonkers that it has come to this. Is this a first world war zone? The kids have to deal with bullying, fire drills, adolescence, courses they struggle with, not fitting in, mean girls, mean boys, now bullet proof backpacks and all the terror of why.

Sad, sad, sad 😔

Repeat after me; this is not normal. Not. Normal.

Crazy America.

Problem is, a lot of schools say only see through bags are allowed.

Really sick world

What kind of sick society are we living in, when we have to equip our children with bullet-resistant backpacks, and aren't doing anything meaningful to deal with the problem?

This is the dumbest idea ever! 1. Kids don’t keep their back close during school 2. Would it be a front pack now? 3. Or the kids would hold it blocking the bullets? CashingInOnACrisis

Looks like the gun violence problem is solved. We can all go home now.

It’s the life of which we live in. Smart thinking.

Sad day for us.

This article wouldn't be written if countries like America don't sell just guns in the streets like fast food, bring regulations, laws, bans, on availability of guns, who all are eligible to own it, not have kids in SWAT uniforms, or bullet proof backpacks to keep them safe😡😡

Jesus... This is depressing.

It is sad that we have to send our children to school in fear. We do not need god in government we need government that run this country with facts not fiction. Start voting in office individuals that create laws that sever society not religious agenda.

AudraEqualityMc Don’t adults need these, too? And bulletproof vests?

They have been doing this for years and years. There has yet to be reported that one of these bullet proof backpacks has been needed.

I’m going to purchase me one. I’m a big preponderant situation awareness. There’s a lot of crazy people in the world these days. Everyone must be prepared to deal whatever situation you find yourself.

😱

Smh. That's so sad on a whole new level. Parents are fearing their children will be at risk of getting shot at school so they gear them up like soldiers. Alter your archaic 2nd amendment already. Take away guns entirely.

Instead of scaring your kids, think logically about how many school children there are going to school each day in the US and compare that to how many find themselves in a shooting situation and you’ll realize how safe they actually are.

Typo “I grew up in the projects “

I wonder if the backpacks are AK-47 Bullet proof.

Bulletproof backpacks can cost families $150+ per child. Children of low income families won’t have enough access to these utilities so they’d be at greater risk of injury or death during school shootings.

More than likely the same companies make the firearms and ammo are making the pack packs. You’re being played by the players.

This should be a wake up call to all Americans.

WTH is happening to this world? I feel so blessed to have grown up in piece without fear

In case that armed teacher freaks and just goes nuts when the shooter stalks the hallways. Cool.

They could probably figure out a way to put Hello Kitty etc on those. Protect and still be fun? What a concept.

Sad that we as Parents have to make decisions like this to ensure our kids Safety😢

Cool idea. But the chances that backpack will save your kid are millions to one.

How sad

I Guess it's Because You Guys made the system so 🤓

Can the bullet shield also have a Hello Kitty design? Cause that would be badass

We have failed our children. Totally and unequivocally failed them.

Ban guns. The biggest shield is God. Believe in Him🛡️

This report hit me emotionally. I’m stunned that this is our reality.

IamJohnBurnett So the message from CNN, NPR that I hear is: If you don't buy a bullet resistant backpack for your kids or grandkids, 'You don't love them'

Instead of Gun control... They are selling bulletproof bags...

Are the kids supposed to sit inside🤔

Trump's plan for the economy: more shootings with AR style weapons sell more bulletproof backpacks. - Genius!

Harden the schools. Let facility be trained and armed if they want to be.

Only country in the world where our children need the protection a swat team takes. The NRA and GOP are terrorizing our children!

Finally a common sense solution. Americans always find a way to monetize tragedy

Pmacgiollabhain

untidy world ...

Jesus Christ

A BACKPACK ISNT THE SOLUTION TO GUN VIOLENCE. GUN LAWS ARE. GunControlNow

SAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

At $490/bag, folks should file their purchase receipts with the NRA.

normal country

We're getting these.

If someone is benefiting from selling these, whether they like it or not that person is benefiting from gun violence

And if the media didn’t glorify mass shootings by non stop coverage and politicization giving these disturbed people the more than15 mins of infamy, many might not happen!

People need to get real & stop buying these backpacks & spend their money on lobby groups to rival the NRA or withdraw support/funding to congressmen who continue to let current gun laws remain. Next they'll say kids should be armed!

It's more effective and less expensive to teach; run, seek cover, defend yourself and administer aid.

Will the NRA endorse those backpacks? Will Trump? Will the old man?

I once dreamt of US as a far more safe country to be in, now Kenya is a hundred times a heaven for foreigners migrants and its own people irrespective of color race sexual or political affiliation, far more than the dreaded shoot-hole : The United States of A

No stopping assault weapons....

This is sad

We need all students to be armed.

So instead of fighting for better laws for gun control Americans just get their children backpacks to hopefully shield them from a mass shooting. WRONG this is not the god damn answer!!!! Let go of your god damn gun and hold your child’s hand!!!

One bad business begets another.

This is horrifying. We are appalled when we see girls and boys in other unstable countries being punished or attacked for going to school. Now, our children are falling into this category also. Do something, elected officials.

scott_squires Define some?

The fact that you need to buy a fuckin' bullet resistant backpack, is sad. I mean, come on, why do the majority have to protect their children from a minority of the population.

WTF. This is a sad state we’re in. Really bulletproof backpacks 🎒. How the hell do you tell a small child how to protect themselves without giving them a great deal of anxiety.

Sickening tribe of the US for their ongoing gun violence news in schools, in public and their Police shooting.

It is time to throw the glorious notorious tribe of the U.S.A., the ordained by God as uber alles, the killer of children, into the garbage bin of history with a strong flush down a toilet or in a cesspoolt! Dumping shit on every single 50 stars of their flag and 50 states!

Maybe end the sale assault weapons, backgrounds for all gun buyers (fbi and doj), and firearms training ...

SpongeBob SteelPlates. Spider-Man’s Kevlar webbing. Minecraft Creeper proof. 😶😞

Instead of forcing millions of parents to invest in bullet proof school bags, why don't POTUS can revisit the gun law and make sure guns will be available only to the forces.

It’s pretty sad really, glad my kids don’t live in that kind of environment in constant fear of guns

If it is a thought to provide more visible officers to deter things like this why not look into using Computer education in the home. I have seen many videos of Colleges holding classes over internet, so why not regular school. Just think no more attendance excuses, they are home

Hum.. Hello Kitty bulletproof vests may be released.

Unless the child gets inside the backpack what’s the purpose. This will only benefit the companies that manufacture these things.

The rich kids will be ok.

In the meantime except for environmental issues. Plastic bags still pass the legitimacy test to carry school supplies where I come from. Poor country problems can be life saving sometimes. Except for the environment.

😭

Okay these backpacks might work if they shoot you in the back. But not the front or head shots. Even bulletproof vest don't always do the job.

Plus whatever happens if the shooter faces them !!! Most kids are shots in face or heart facing shooter , what then ? Stupid !!!!!

💆🏾‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ that’s a sign of how F’ed up america is as a whole. Kids are wearing bullet proof book bags to school I don’t know what’s worse someone making a profit off of massacres, government not forcing their hand on guns or the fact you are prepping a child for war going to school🤦🏽‍♂️

Why not wearing bulletproof jacket?

As the orange one promised so much winning!

This definitely MAGA !

Oh yes, keep the precious guns, ... oh wait, no, isn’t it the children that are precious? Ohhh right, but only before they are born. Let’s just give them bullet proof backpacks! Children are totally capable of defending themselves from gunfire. USAnotOK REVOLTING REVOLT

After spending billions of dollars on foreign missions to combat terrorism. The ideology has resurfaced in the united states in different outfit...they should stop ignoring or labelling it as a mental illness before it is too late ______maestro

Chirag0_0yadav chk this out

What's next...bulletproof umbrellas? At least those would be useful. I'm sorry but if someone's a few feet away from you pumping out hundreds of rounds--a backpack isn't saving you.

If we had armed security guards in our schools this wouldn’t be necessary

That’s a god damn shame

This is just plain SAD! What in God's name has this country become? What's next? Bullet proof helmets! Bullet proof Vests with Superman embroidered on them? Lunch boxes with escape routes printed on them? Our country is in a major crisis and it's spelled T-R-U-M-P!

Here's an idea: Why don't we provide our kids with the same protection our politicians receive: armed guards, rather than placing them in 'gun free zones.' Seriosly, when did the last gun massacre take place at a gun range?

Lol fake news you are trying too hard. Nothing can help your plummeting ratings. Crazy people have other means and could cause damage regardless of guns or no guns. Just look at the damage you caused your ratings. FakeNews fakenewsCNN plummetingRatings BoycottCNN

Lying again. Bullet proof bags can also be easily covered with hello Kitty or Spiderman. You are even lazy at lying.

THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!! We are the only country in the world where this is needed. What kind of world are we providing for our children. Shit needs to change and SOON!!

War zone

This is so sad, this is a travesty for 🇺🇸, and senatemajldr SenateGOP HouseGOP GOP GOPLeader don't care that Americans are dying and children are traumatized, scared to go to school, scared they will be next, our gov is failing 🇺🇸

This headline matched with this picture is one of the most soul crushing things I’ve ever seen.

realDonaldTrump Thank you China for importing protection to the USA! EnoughIsEnough

WalmartInc didn't stop selling guns. WalmartInc didn't stop selling video games. Walmart did stop selling bulletproof backpacks. Everyone of these has been pulled:

It’s fucking sad that this is what our country has come to.....

Sad state of affairs for our country.

The idea of a bulletproof backpack is what exactly? Just in case a gunman shoots your child in the back taking careful aim at the backpack?

Look at what happened to an AMERICAN, who tried to make a difference.. I pray, he is in Heaven...

Fear sells....

I saw a video on this. A backpack filled with books actually is bullet proof.

If they really loved their children, they’d get them flak jackets and helmets too.

I can't even believe this news are coming from the US........Guys, seriously, wjat happened? Ohhhh yeah, sorry, i actually do k ow what happened, and BarackObama HillaryClinton and JoeBiden know too.

Yeah, I'm sure those will be super effective as shields when they're left in the lockers and bins at school.

I’m selling Disney and Marvel themed Bulletproof backpacks. Check out my soundcloud for more info.

This is the world we live in now. No parent should have to worry about the possibility of their children being shot at school.

Can you imagine what goes through a kids head when mommy or daddy hand them a bullet proof backpack?

Does this bother anyone else?

This is shameful, but again CNN is shameful.

America, land of the free. America, the greatest country in the world. America, fitting out their kids with bullet proof backpacks. What happened to you ?

They will need two - one to wear on the front and one to wear on the back. And they will need to wear them all day sitting at their desk, playing at recess, music class, art class, restroom break, lunch, library....

Greatest country in the world 🤪

Fraud! Gun control not bullet proof back packs

It's all marketing 🤣

Scarry

Ffs

No peace... go back to the Lord of Havens & Quran... the true Bible

They called me a madman.

A sign of a very sick society.

😂😂😂😂

Should my kid wear it in front or the back? Or maybe he should wear two of them?

Being in a mass shooting is statistically astronomically rare. While they’re very tragic, it’s mostly unfounded fear. This isn’t so much a commentary on gun violence in America as it is on people’s spending habits.

Move to Canada

Forget stricter gun laws after three centuries. Let's make some money and have our threatened elementary school children walk around w/ bulletproof HannahMontana and pokemon bags while hiding under their desks in tears. (For the record, I am being sarcastic)

Pretty ineffective when they are required, as in most schools, to be left in lockers. Bet some asswipe sjw company is laughing all the way to the bank on this one.

Why?! I cant imagine having this converstation with my son when he picks out his Ironman backpack but im steering him to these bulletproof joints. 'But DaDa...i want Eeeeyyyermaaaan backpack!' Change these gun laws immediately!

That's truly insane but why not.

They don't sell those in the UK. Guess we're all clear of any mental illness, there's no racism, and none of us play violent computer games! 🎉

What a Shame, Citizens of UnitedStates the most powerful nation on earth are purchasing Bulletproof School bags to protect its children from GunViolance. I am wondering what is the definition of a developed nation?

martesco12 This is how Trump MAKES AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Can they make a stab proof one for London schoolchildren.

Fear mongering.

Hey, guys, where’s your article on the brutal machete slaying in CA yd. Oh, wait - it doesn’t fit you white supremacy profile. By the way, your headlines read like a mixture of SNL Trump bashing and the National Inquirer. What trash. How did you get your journalist credentials?

This is a great invention. But its sad that we are even considering buying it truth JustSaying

Maybe something has to be done!

Real nice USA. Get your act together.

Jesus Christ

No worse than you who use children to convey political messages.

Perfectly normal country

Won't stop a rifle

Omg

They surge 200-300%? So they sold 6 instead of 2?

Just homeschool them, either way they are screwed.

Remember the days when kids only worried about getting into a fistfight at school?

I swear to god, if Ivanka and Jared are investors in the company making these...

This is America.

So to recap - surround all schools with a perimeter of armed guards, and strap bullet proof backpacks to the kids. Smh

Well be sure to tell them to turn their backs against crazy satanic democrats!!!!

Way to go, 'Murica

Because nothing says 'I love you' more than bullet-proof backpacks. Except for maybe home school, but you know . . . some parents just don't want to make that life adjustment for their kids.

Backpacks aren’t allowed in many places.

What’s next, sending the kids to class in a School Tank?

Won’t sell many in Chicago...... good thing guns are illegal there

You can buy bullet proof back packs OR move to a safer country 🤷‍♂️ Because I don’t think guns are going anywhere.. I just have myself to worry about not a family so come and get me suckas

The chances of being caught up in a mass shooting let alone a school shooting is astronomically low. These parents are mostly just instilling fear into their kids every single day when they make their kids wear these.

Our response to gun violence is like taking pain meds for a bacterial infection: treating symptoms while leaving the disease free to spread senatemajldr you could help fix this if you could just stand up to the NRA I promise you can be wealthy without their bribes

Wowzers!!🙅🏽‍♂️ I def want one

Great country ya got there.

We have our share of problems across the pond but not THIS I honestly don’t know how you haven’t stormed the White House yet?

Thank God for my shithole country. Wouldn't imagine in my wildest dreams such issues. M.A.G.A they say

And folk are actually arguing over whether they will be effective or not. Go home USA... You're drunk.

“But kids don’t carry them around all the time, that’s stupid.” No, it’s the guns that are stupid, along with America’s obsession with them.

Only in a world where homelessness is resolved by spiked tiles to sleep on, is giving a child bulletproof bag acceptable. Madness

This headline just makes me so freaking sad.

It’s sad that in our country our kids have to worry about being shot when they go to school. I only had to worry about fire drills and tornado drills but my daughter has active shooter drills once a month at her school

The solution is to always implement something that make people money and that’s a shame!

Many schools no longer allow kids to carry backpacks. Another way to sneak in weapons... Sad!!

AKimCampbell Hard to imagine the need to send kids off to school in bulletproof gear! OMG what is the world coming to?

Find a problem and solve it Country.. America 😆😆

We must work in mental health! Guns or racist is only part of the problem... mental health is the main problem

That’s a bruh moment that’s shows gun negativity and effect on a population

AstorGoodwin We are truly insane.

Only in America is this normal.😔😔

Profiting off of fear

Yet kids can pick their own gender

Only thing these won't help if they are not wearing them all day long plus you would need a full body one yes I can save a life many lives but only if they wear them all day my daughter said mom I cant wear that all day

CNN wants us to think this is something new. When in all actuality they are a major role in the nut jobs destroying our great country from years ago Citizens stand up against fake news and their tactics of creating the hostile environment spreading across our country BOYCOTT CNN

What a sick country it’s becoming

Why can’t we just pass legislation to stop this madness instead of letting people capitalize on bullet proof backpacks?

I loathe that the debate on here is not, “Why should a child require a bullet-proof backpack?” and more “More school shootings occur with Automatic weapons than handguns so, pfff, this won’t help at all” Like what the fuck is happening Merica

so this is what our world has come to huh? if only there was SOMETHING WE COULD DO ABOUT IT HUH?

Do they realize backpacks are hung up at the door cubbies almost always? So, let's all stop and get your bulletproof bags kids and burn the escape time! 'But, Lisa and Juan don't have one, Miss Smith!' 'Sorry, Timmy, sucks to be them!'

Doesnt protect anything.. marketing and sales..

Pretty incredible that parents have to protect their children with bulletproof backpacks instead of schools providing armed security and protecting the children inside. Liberals would rather kids get shot inside than to protect them with armed security outside.

Good common sense idea to protect children! Gun control/ background checks will not help but putting safety polices and building safe structures at schools will!

I just can’t like this

What’s next? In addition to reading, writing and arithmetic, the kids will be taught how to carry and use a Glock 19 that’s decorated with Stars and Stripes.

Why not drape the children in Kevlar or body armour?

I think now this is the world we live in

America...what have you people become.....

The day in which American parents have to worry about our children getting shot in school and have to consider purchasing a 'bullet proof' backpack or a tactical vest in order to send lil Jimmy to school is the day we 'Done F'ckd up A-A-Merica.' thisisNOTnormal

And these backpacks were already available when Obama was President.....so what's your point? These are not new.

Lol ..so stupid

This is so sad. Our children should not have to protect themselves at school or anywhere. wemustdobetter

Hunters in Canada need these bags.

That’s just wrong...so wrong

Man it’s crazy we live in a society where this is even needed

What a sad and sorry world we live in, that parents have to go out and buy a bulletproof backpack for their innocent children. It’s heartbreaking that our world has descended into this low state of criminality.

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