https://twitter.com/InsideTheMagic/status/600060327145930753

Next week, a new item will join Disney theme parks' list of items that can't be taken in by patrons: selfie sticks. The rule will expand upon the parks' previous restrictions on selfie stick use.

An apparent leaked internal e-mail, sent to Disney theme park employees on Friday, clarified that the ban would go into effect on June 30 for all American Disney theme parks; Disney's Paris and Hong Kong parks will follow suit on July 1. The instructions included rules for both door bag screeners and general staff to make patrons check any discovered sticks at a "guest relations" station.

"We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast," a Disney representative said to Ars Technica. That statement came from the leaked e-mail, as well, which also included the following note to Disney staffers: "The use of selfie sticks also compromises our ability to deliver on the Four Keys: Safety, Courtesy, Show, and Efficiency."

The rule change came one day after a Disney California Adventure patron broke the existing "leave your selfie stick in your bag while riding a rollercoaster" rule—surely to snap the sickest selfie of all time—which resulted in the park temporarily shutting down its California Screamin' coaster. That followed a wave of new "no selfie sticks" signs that had been posted at Disney parks as a response to a surge of mid-ride selfie attempts (such as the one pictured above); before that, selfie sticks had fallen under the parks' general "no loose materials" policy for anyone riding a rollercoaster or other similar attractions.

Friday's internal e-mail included a prepared response in case patrons complain that selfie sticks have been banned to drum up sales of Disney's "PhotoPass" offering: "Cast members should continue to assist guests when taking photos, just as they have always done. Remember to keep safety top of mind when taking pictures for guests while using the guest’s camera or mobile device to capture their magical moments."