STATE COLLEGE – Backpacks are used by students every day.
Some states have had policies in place for years -- like clear backpacks.
But some schools in Florida and Ohio are banning them altogether, leading to a discussion here in Pennsylvania.
"I think of my 13-year-old who carries every book in her backpack all day long,. I mean, how would she make it through but I think it would probably be necessary," parent Nicole Wade said.
School officials across the country are looking for ways to keep their students safe.
"I don't think we need to worry about ninety-nine point whatever of the student body doing these kinds of things," parent David Cochrane said.
The discussion comes after authorities say a gunman killed 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.
"I think it's good solid training, good law enforcement. Overall I think that will take care of that problem," Cochrane said.
An Ohio school, Niles Mckinley High School, has already restricted backpacks. The school board says it's a way to help students feel safe. Students will be able to carry small purses and lunch boxes.
"It's just really crazy, all this stuff happening," student Matthew Price said.
The State College Area School District (SCASD) says banning backpacks isn't something they plan on doing in their district. Instead, they have an increased police presence at schools.
"It wouldn't be completely off the table but right now, we're not discussing that or considering it," SCASD Communications Director Chris Rosenblum said.
The Bellefonte Area School Districts (BASD) superintendent said they too have no intention of changing their current policy that allows students to have backpacks.
The Central Pa Institute (CPI) won’t join the ban either but keeps an open mind to having clear backpacks.
"I would rather go that route and do clear backpacks before I want to ban them," CPI Secondary Education Vice President MaryAnn Volders said.
Some parents in Centre County agree with the movement.
"Honestly, at this point, with all the school shootings, I would probably be on board with just about anything,” Wade said. “I mean there's some things I wouldn’t but... it's a backpack, you know, we can figure out other ways to carry. "
Meanwhile, others disagree.
"I think it's gone too far, we have gotten to the point where we're not dealing with the actual problem and trying to just mandate the situation,” parent Tammy Perkins said. “So taking away backpacks is not really getting to the situation. "
"I don't think we need to put any more burdens on our students,” Cochrane said.
There is no official word on how each school district will handle this backpack ban.
6 News was told there's also a Senate committee hearing Friday for school safety where information will be gathered and things like this will likely be a topic of discussion.
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