Parents and Schools Have Mixed Reaction on Fidget Spinners

Children across the country are anxiously trying to get their hands on a “fidget spinner” a small, plastic spinning toy that’s marketed as a tool to help children with attention disorders, anxiety and autism. 

The toys have become popular with all children, leading some to question whether they’re a help or a distraction in the classroom. 

Of the parents NBC Connecticut spoke at the Church Street School in Hamden, those who’ve heard of them took no issue with children having the toys. 

“In group settings, if they have something to play with a lot of times they study better,” Erika Ennejjar, a Hamden parent, said. 

“I don’t mind them. Instead of him making noise on the table or banging his foot or maybe grabbing things, he has that just for himself,” said Ariana Reis, who said her oldest son has ADHD and has had spinners for months.

She finds they are a big help with his focus. 

While the toys might be fun to play with and look at, a special education expert said there might be better alternatives to help children with special needs. 

“Generally, I don’t support these, period. As a former teacher and principal, I think I truly understand the disruption for teachers,” Judy Falaro, director of special education programs at Quinnipiac University, said. 

Falaro said she believes stress balls, a break in classroom time, or other time-tested methods might be more helpful for children who need special assistance without becoming a distraction for the entire classroom. 

“They become a fad. Every kid in the classroom has them,” she said. “They’re spinning them while teachers are trying to teach and what’s happening is it’s a huge disruption.” 

Jodie Petruzzelli, a Hamden mom whose son has PTSD and even made his own fidget spinner, thinks that as long as the children aren’t pulling the toys out in class every child could benefit from having one around. 

“I think they’re a good distraction, I don’t think there’s anything bad about them” she said. 

The Saint James School in Manchester sent a notice to parents informing them that children are not allowed to use them during school hours and school officials plan to confiscate all devices children are caught playing with during school. 

In Southington, some parents also received a notice that if fidget spinners become a distraction during school, students will be asked to leave the toys at home.