MANAMA, Aug 12: A strange and unsettling new fad has emerged in Bahrain — adults are openly using pacifiers while out in public, particularly during their daily commutes. 

 Bahraini MPs are calling for strict measures to curb what they describe as a troubling and growing trend—adults using baby pacifiers in public, especially while driving. Hassan Ibrahim, vice-chairman of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, has formally urged the Interior Ministry to investigate this phenomenon following numerous complaints from concerned citizens nationwide.“This is not only bizarre; it is a violation of public morals,” Ibrahim told the Gulf Daily News.“People have reported seeing grown men and women driving or stopped at traffic lights with pacifiers in their mouths. This trend, which originated abroad, is now infiltrating our society.”  

The unusual practice, believed to have originated in China, has sparked heated debates on social media after adult pacifiers became a viral sensation. According to China Daily, one of the best-selling adult pacifiers on Taobao, China’s popular e-commerce site, sold over 10,000 units at just 15.90 yuan (around $2.20) each.

Now the trend has crossed continents, making its way to the Gulf, where Bahrain’s Members of Parliament have called for urgent action to curb what they describe as “a breach of public morals.” Public opinion remains divided. Some on social media argue, “Why is this a problem? It harms no one and helps users feel comfortable.” Others, however, warn that it “may signal deeper societal or mental health issues,” which they say warrants official intervention.

What Are Adult Pacifiers?

These pacifiers are larger than those made for infants and are marketed specifically for adults as aids for anxiety relief, smoking cessation, and even improved breathing.

Reports suggest some users claim a range of benefits. Some say these pacifiers reduce snoring and improve sleep quality, while others believe they help curb snacking and aid weight loss.

More commonly, adult pacifiers are used as coping tools to ease anxiety, providing emotional comfort in stressful situations. However, mental health experts caution that relying on pacifiers is not a sustainable solution. They warn it might mask underlying issues, delay proper diagnosis, and foster unhealthy dependence, preventing users from confronting the root causes of their anxiety.

As Bahrain grapples with this growing trend, authorities and experts alike face the challenge of balancing personal freedom with public decorum — and addressing the potential mental health implications lurking beneath this bizarre new phenomenon.