Fidget Spinners Should Be Banned

Few have not heard of fidget spinners, one of the latest crazes to sweep the nation. These momentum driven, ball bearing operated toys are designed to do exactly as the name suggests; provide an outlet for fidgeting by allowing the user to spin or even perform tricks with the handheld object. However, they have been the source of controversy. The majority of students view fidget spinners as the hottest new fad and see them as nothing more than a toy with which to play, even if this intrudes on classroom time. Because of this, many schools have banned fidget spinners, though not without protest. With around 6.4 million children in the United States being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD, many have credited the recent popularity of fidget spinners to bringing awareness to the

Scientific American explains that although fidget spinners provide an ulterior subject to focus on, it may be too much of a good thing. The same publication states, “By contrast, putty, stress balls and other therapeutic fidget items don’t have this visual attention problem. They can serve the same purpose as the spinners, but are more classroom-ready and less distracting” (Isbister). Fidget spinners are part of a noisy, disruptive fad that requires more concentration on fidgeting and less on occupying your hands in order to better focus on a lesson that is being taught. Time Magazine references several experts in saying that “silent, unimposing toys” are the most conducive to liberating excess energy and nervousness. Even fidgeting in a chair can help improve test scores according to a 2015 study that compared the test results of those who were required to sit still verses those who fidgeted (Healthday). While the flashy fidget spinner has no evidence to back itself up, experts agree that a purer, simpler fidget is the way to go for better