Fidget spinners: Everything you need to know about the fidget spinner craze

Some schools have banned the gadgets...

(Image credit: Isopix/REX/Shutterstock)

Fidget spinners are the latest toy craze to take over a playground near you, but they've been receiving very mixed reviews from parents and teachers.

Fidget spinners were originally marketed as stress relievers or anxiety aids, or to help children with conditions like ADHD and autism, as well as to combat the 21st century problem of 'smartphone addictions'.

Some schools have banned the gadget for being distracting, and there have been reports of accidents and even injuries occurring.

If you're still in the dark about what fidget spinners are, where you can get hold of one and why your child might want one, we've rounded up all you need to know about the toy everyone is twirling...

What are fidget spinners?

Fidget spinners have been around for a while, but it's only in recent months that they've gone global and taken over playgrounds. The handheld shapes come in a variety of different materials, such as brass, stainless steel, titanium, copper and plastic.

The gadget was invented to combat stress and - you guessed it - fidgeting, with growing numbers of kids under mounting pressure from school and social media, so in lots of ways, it's really nice to see kids engaged by a real life toy, competing with their friends to do the best tricks and not glued to their phones.

The toy is particularly great for kids who suffer with attention deficit disorders and autism, as they help promote concentration and focus, according to the large number of companies who manufacture them.

Should I buy a fidget spinner for my child?

If your child suffers with a behavioural condition, then fidget spinners are proving to have tangible benefits, as long as they are used in a controlled environment.

But if you're thinking of buying one for your child, bear in mind that some schools have banned them, so bringing the item into school might not be an option.

As with anything, carefully consider the pros and cons and whether your child will be able to play with it responsibility.

One school has decided to take a new spin on the toy, adopting it into their PE lessons to help with balance, agility and teamwork, so there could be some definite benefits - it's just about making an informed decision.

Where can I buy a fidget spinner?

You can easily get hold of a fidget spinner online at Amazon, eBay, or toy shops like TheWorks.com. You could even expect them to sneak into your weekly food shop from Tesco or Asda. Prices range from £0.99 on websites like eBay, to upwards of £15 for ones primarily marketed as learning aids.

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