Australian child advocates claim voodoo pencil case is a tool for bullies

A voodoo pencil case could be pulled from the shelves after child advocates claimed it encouraged bullying.

The controversial canvas Smiggle voodoo pencil case includes a space to put a small photo, but critics say it is simply encouraging children to hex their friends. On nearby shelves are black and red heart-shaped pins ready to stick into the body-shaped case.

Kids Free 2B Kids director Julie Gale said the voodoo pencil product was typical of companies who produced inappropriate products without thinking about the consequences.



But Smiggle says it will reconsider its Voodoo pencil case after concerns it might encourage children to bully.

Ms Gale had spoken to various childhood experts who were horrified by the product, which they thought could encourage bullying.

“It’s basically a voodoo doll, and it’s potentially a very powerful tool for bullies,” she said. I think it’s typical lack of awareness from retailers … just thinking it’s a cute idea not really thinking it through,” she said. “It’s just not appropriate.”