
Sat Jan 17 20:04:57 UTC 2026: # Parents Challenge Plastic Bottle Ban at Delhi School Over Health Concerns
The Story:
Parents at R.S. Junior Modern School in Humayun Road, central Delhi, are protesting a school policy that bans metal water bottles, requiring students to use plastic ones instead. In a letter dated January 16, 2026, addressed to the school and the Directorate of Education (DoE), parents argue that this exposes children to microplastics, leading to potential lifelong health risks. The school implemented the ban in October 2025, citing student safety as the reason for confiscating steel bottles.
Key Points:
- Parents have written to R.S. Junior Modern School and the DoE seeking the revocation of the plastic-only water bottle policy.
- The parents’ letter highlights the potential health risks associated with microplastics exposure from repeated use of plastic bottles, especially when worn or exposed to heat.
- The school issued a notice in October 2025 banning metal bottles to “ensure the safety of the students”, with confiscation as enforcement.
- As of January 18, 2026, the school has not responded to requests for comment.
Key Takeaways:
- The conflict highlights growing parental awareness of the potential health hazards linked to microplastic ingestion from plastic water bottles.
- The school’s stated rationale (“ensure the safety of the students”) for banning metal bottles is vague and open to interpretation, raising questions about the true motivation behind the policy.
- This incident could trigger a broader debate about school policies related to food and beverage containers, potentially leading to changes in regulations and guidelines regarding acceptable materials for student use.