CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In the wake of 17 people murdered at a Florida school, many people across the Carolinas have offered their thoughts and prayers. However, some parents have lost faith in Congress to stop school massacres and are taking the extra step to protect their children now with bullet-proof backpacks.
The products come in a variety of shapes and sizes; some are inserts and others are part of the backpack you purchase. The items are sold from multiple manufacturers: Bullet Blocker, Guard Dog, Amazon.
Sales usually spike following any horrific school shooting. An industry leader, Bullet Blocker, told NBC Charlotte this week’s sales are up 30%. That translates to about 400 additional backpacks sold.
Nichols Store in Rock Hill sells bullet-proof inserts. They, too, have seen a spike. We asked Tina Nichols if she thinks the products could make a difference.
"If we can save one person’s life with them, we’ve done our job,” Nichols said.
The inserts are manufactured by Premier Body Armor. Each costs around $200, weighs just over a pound and can be slipped inside your child’s backpack.
Nichols' young daughter carries an insert with her to school. “I came home, put it in my daughter's backpack, and she said after school, 'You know, Mom, I feel safe,'” Nichols explained.
The item is resistant to handguns for up to five years. In a demonstration, the bullets went through all the contents of the backpack, but when they hit the shield, they were stopped. No damage was done to the very back of the backpack.
We spoke to local moms about these products and received mixed reviews.
“I’m going to have to weigh the pros and cons.”
“Better than nothing or band aid on a much bigger problem.”
“I think if I had kids one day, I probably would too.”