All over the country and even the world, fidget spinners can be seen in the hands of many students who use them as a means to focus. This leads school districts to take a closer look and see whether they are truly helpful or just a distraction.

Garrett Barrick, freshman said, “These spinners are great for people who have ADHD.” He thinks they can help teens focus in class and stay on task. Barrick said, “This can make teens focus, but I see kids in class that have spinners and all they do is just play with it and they don’t have ADHD.”  

Dean Smith,  an English teacher said, “I don’t really care, but if they become annoying, I tell them to put them up. They’re not doing what the students think they’re doing.” Smith said, ‘I would say that 2-3 students have them and keep them out in my class.  It’s a fad and it will wear off eventually.”  

Blaze Rowe, a freshmen at Big Spring High School said, “I think schools should keep spinners because some people may use it as a toy, but it does help people with ADHD.” Rowe also said, “I don’t think it’s right if a school bans spinners. Students are trying to focus in class and everyday life.”  

Although most students claim that fidget spinners are to help with focus, a recent article published on NPR disputes that claim.  According to clinical psychologist, Scott Kollins, there is no research to support that fidget spinners are effective at addressing that issue.  

The high school is not the only place where these devices can be seen.  Cory Hoffman, Dean of students, said “I saw a group of kids at my son’s school playing with spinners”. Despite the the fact that he has also seen them at the high school, he has not had more than one problem with their use.  

It is possible to see fidget spinners being sold almost everywhere, including online, at gas stations, and even yard sales.  Although they are popular now, there’s no telling if this will still be a common item in the classroom next year.