Chinese parents are freaking out over toothpick crossbow toys

If you thought fidget spinners were bad, just wait for this. 

A miniature crossbow that can fire toothpicks and needles is causing headaches for parents and school officials in China, according to news reports.

The mini-crossbows are palm size and can be used to pierce apples, soda cans and we're sure a slew of other items. 

Several cities, including Shenzhen and Qingdao, and reportedly banned the devices, according to AP. 

According to AP, the mini-crossbow fad has spread quickly, and resulted in police warning that using the crossbows might become a criminal offense in the Chinese territory or Macau. 

Parents have begun petitions on social media encouaring a nationwide ban, and the outrage has apparently led two popular e-commerce sites to blocking sales of the mini weapons, AP reported. 

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