A recent trend has been causing frustration for kids and parents at airport security checkpoints across the country. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a rule that prohibits gel-filled toys, like NeeDoh stress balls, in carry-on luggage if they contain more than 3.4 ounces of gel.

What’s Behind the Rule?

The TSA’s rule is part of its liquids policy, which aims to prevent potentially hazardous materials from being carried onto planes. However, many parents are unaware of this rule and are being caught off guard when their kids’ favorite toys are confiscated at security checkpoints.

One mother, Molly Glassheim, had her 7-year-old daughter’s NeeDoh stress toys taken away at a security checkpoint. Glassheim said that her daughter was upset but understood the reason behind the rule after it was explained to her.

Affecting Families Nationwide

This issue is not isolated to one family or one airport. Parents across the country are taking to social media to share their own experiences of having their kids’ gel-filled toys confiscated at security checkpoints. Many are expressing frustration and disappointment, as these toys are often a source of comfort and entertainment for their children during long flights.

Vanessa Leon, a mother from Washington State, had her son’s NeeDoh toys taken away at a security checkpoint in Denver. She said that her son was devastated and had spent weeks searching for the specific toys that were confiscated.

The manufacturer of NeeDoh, Schylling, has acknowledged the issue and is working to educate parents about the TSA’s rule. The company’s president, Paul Weingard, pointed out that most NeeDoh toys contain more than 3.4 ounces of gel and are therefore subject to the TSA’s rule.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.