NO SPIN ZONE: Fidgets are out of control
June 9, 2017
These days, instead of seeing kids glued to their phones, you can find them glued to their fidget spinners. The new toy has dominated the market and can be found in practically any convenience store you walk into.
The fidget’s popularity with students has led to some backlash —especially since many students have been using them as more of a toy and not a tool to help focus.
“It’s like having a phone out in class; they’re not doing anything to help the students learn or stay focused,” Assistant Principal Mr. Macioci said.
The toy was created to relieve stress and help kids with ADD, ADHD and autism. It allows the hands to keep moving, so an individual is able to focus more on what they are doing. According to the Chicago Tribune, the brothers who created the toy, Matthew and Mark McLachlan, have already made over $4 million in revenue. The spinners are priced from as little as $4 all the way up to $45, with various types of metals and styles for purchase.
While there is not yet any science proving that fidgets help with focusing on tasks, many students in the school feel that they help them pay attention.
“I forget that I am even using one after a while because I get so engaged in the class conversation,” sophomore Alexandra Gann said.
“I get upset when I come to school without my spinner because it is so much easier to focus when I am playing with one,” senior Nicole Leone said.
But many teachers and some students find them more of a detriment to student’s learning than an asset because of how distracting they can be.
“I do not feel that at the high school level fidget spinners are necessary,” biology teacher Ms. Careri said. “Students do not need them to maintain concentration and focus in their classes.”
“They’re pointless and have no use,” junior Anthony Sangillo said.
Administrators said that fidget spinners are considered a toy and banned them, but that hasn’t stopped students from using them.
These wild toys have spun their way right into the principal’s drawer. Apparently, in the middle school anyone seen using a fidget spinner is sent to the office for disciplinary action. Starting in November fidget spinners were banned from all classrooms, studies and electives.
“There’s nothing wrong with the spinners if they are used with discretion,” middle school Principal Mr. Popat said. “We have found that our students do not yet know how to exercise such discretion in the classroom setting.”
While there is no hard proof yet, students say they see the benefit of fidget spinners for educational purposes. They allow students to focus and engage more in class without getting distracted.
“I used to sit in class and either zone out or look at my phone,” junior Bailey Schuster said. “But now that I play with my spinner I stay more engaged in the class discussion without getting distracted like I used to.”
