Yo-Balls, the latest craze to sweep Bromsgrove, have been banned by some schools in the area after the Government found the toy posed a risk of strangulation to youngsters.
The move comes following eight reported incidents in the last month.
The department of Trade and Industry (DTI) commissioned urgent risk tests on the elastic toys which concluded that they did not meet the safety requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995.
The DTI has now enforced the ban with local trading standards officers.
Consumer affairs minister Melanie Johnson said: "I do not want to spoil the fun that sensible use of the toy can bring but on balance I cannot ignore children's safety. Parents whose children already own Yo-Balls should be aware of the potential harm these toys can cause. They may want to consider whether this is an appropriate toy for their children to have."
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