Fidget Spinners Distraction in Classroom
By Robin Vinci | Editor at May 11, 2024 | 2:15 pm | Print
In the 1980s it was the Rubik’s Cube, in the late 1990s it was the Tamagochi, in 2009 we got Zhu Zhu pets and now we have a new fad. You’ve probably seen the latest craze among youth in fidget spinners. The toy is meant to be for those with attention disorders. But, the general population loves them.
Fidget spinners are a handheld device that people can fidget with without making a big scene, but in many cities including New Britain, schools are finding the gadgets can cause a nuisance in the classroom.
Some schools in the City have banned the toy that has a ball bearing in the middle and a disc with two or three paddles that spin and comes in every color in the rainbow and have add-ons like LED lights.
“Fidget Spinners have been a hot topic of conversation amongst our students. While we are aware of the positive impact it has for some of our students, it can also sometimes be a distraction in the classroom,” said Nancy Sarra, superintendent of schools. “It is up to our principals and their administration to determine whether or not fidget spinners are allowed in their schools.”
“As a teacher, I only let those kids who have it in their file that they need a fidget to have one,” said Tony Kane. “My son doesn’t need one for school but he has 3.”
“They are annoying in the schools and many teachers are taking them away from students,” said Nancy Williams Gavin, a parent. “They are a distraction to learning.”
An elementary school principal in Evanston, Illinois, Kate Ellison, told the Chicago Tribune that the spinners have been a distraction in classrooms in her school, and that children with special needs have other, school-friendly options for fidgeting.
Schools in other states, including Florida, New York, Minnesota and Massachusetts, have also banned fidget spinners.
There are also stories about injuries caused by the spinners.
According to CNN, one story out of Australia claims a school in Shepparton banned them after a wayward spinner injured a boy’s eye. Schools around the US and UK are posting warnings on social media and sending notes home to parents discouraging their use. This fad is growing as other fidget gadgets are also appearing.
Products like fidget cubes are also on the rise. These cubes look like very large dice and can be pressed and clicked to relieve nervous energy. Children and adults are latching on to this idea as well.
Several people said in the City Journal Facebook group that the devices helped their children.
“Yes they are a fad,” said Bob Meadowland. “But……..If you have ever dealt with ADHD they make a difference for that child! (or adult) as ONE solution! They can be a distraction, but a teacher can also use it as a reward by letting all the kids play with them after completing a task or lesson.”
“It helps my son with his anxiety,” said Nicole Stuart Rescuer . “But he is not allowed to bring it to school (he has other things there),”
Tina Santana said her son has one and it helps.
Fidget spinners sell for $5 and up and can be bought at stores across the City as well as eBay and Amazon. The most sought after ones can go for hundreds of dollars. They feature designs like emojis and tie dyes.
