The Fidget Phenomenon
                                                                            By Edwin Melara

Remember how awhile ago we discussed all of the new social media trends happening online and in our communities? Well, it happened again. I can pretty much guarantee that you've suddenly started to see those small, spinning toys everywhere you go. They're called Fidget Spinners. The primary purpose of Fidget Spinners is to relieve stress and to tranquilize fidgeting (Hence the name "Fidget"). All mainly for health. Nowadays, kids and teens everywhere can be seen spinning them. Despite their purpose, they can be distracting and overused, to the point where many schools have banned them in their classrooms. A hashtag or YouTube search can find thousands of videos showcasing different spinning tricks and models of the Fidget Spinner. 

While they have increased in popularity within the past few months, they have actually been around since the 1990's. Catherine Hettinger is rumored to be the inventor of the original Fidget Spinner. There are several theories as to what led to her invention, some saying that she witnessed young boys in Israel throwing rocks at police officers. She is said to have built the Spinners as a safe alternative to letting off steam. Other theories state that she developed a disorder that causes weakness in muscles. In order to play with her daughter, Hettinger constructed a toy which was later sent to patent. This was the beta "spinner toy." According to Bloomberg News, however, "Hettinger acknowledged that there is no evidence of a direct connection between her own plastic disc and the fidget spinners that are popular today." That being said, her invention, called the "Spinning Toy," was most likely very different than what we see today, to the point where, whether or not she should be credited, is debatable.  The big mystery as to who the true inventor is remains secret to this day. 
A sister product to the Fidget Spinner is known as the Fidget Cube. The cube has many buttons, switches, gears, rolling ball, etc., which, like the Spinner, can relieve stress. 

You cannot deny that the Fidget Spinner has peaked in popularity lately.  Whether it be to soothe stress and fidgeting, keeping your mind occupied, or simply having an entertaining toy, the Fidget Spinner has become and instant trend, both in the community and online.  Teachers, well, they may have a different take on this new trend.  But many kids seem to enjoy it.

Sources: 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...