SYRINGE-SHAPED PENS WARNING
Promotional pen deemed ‘inappropriate’ for schools
S YRINGE-SHAPED pens have been deemed “inappropriate” after a primary school child was found using one. Professional services giant Capita’s promotional pens were in the shape of a syringe but the company says it will no longer use them, following complaints from worried parents.
A child at Dunvant Primary School in Swansea was found with one of the pens, which promotes Capita’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits assessment service.
But school leaders have deemed the pens “inappropriate”.
A local man, who asked to remain anonymous, said he found the design of the pens “appalling” and that it could lead to a child mistaking the pen for a real syringe.
He said: “A friend of mine whose child goes to Dunvant Juniors School told me that a child brought in a pen that resembled a syringe.
“I think that it is appalling that pens are made that resemble syringes, especially in Swansea where drug taking is rife.
“I work in Swansea city centre and in one of the lanes behind where I work there are needles everywhere. Suppose a couple of younger children are out playing and pick up a syringe thinking it is a pen.
“They then, thinking that it is a pen, go and write on their hand but instead cut themselves and contract HIV or Hepatitis. It is frightening and I think it is extremely short-sighted and irresponsible of the company.
“I just think that they haven’t thought of the repercussions of making pens such as this because if it becomes more popular that scenario could play out. I just want this put out there and make people aware of this issue.”
A spokesperson for Dunvant School said: “One of these pens was found on the premises outside of normal school hours this week.
“Items brought into school by pupils are closely monitored and no similar pens have been seen but we have reminded all pupils that they are not appropriate for school.”
Capita has since said it will no longer use the syringe-shaped pens.
A Capita spokesperson said: “Many companies in the healthcare sector use these types of promotional pens at specialist conferences and events attended by healthcare professionals. We have decided we will no longer be using them.”