Where did they come from? Seemingly, from out of nowhere, everybody in Long Beach High School became proud owners of a “fidget spinner,” a new toy that has taken schools by storm in the last month. It is a small toy with three prongs centered around a circle with bearings in the middle. The common claim by retailers is that the toy helps students focus in class and gives them a distraction that takes away the stresses of the classroom. Is this true? Are fidit spinners medical tools? Or are they just another version of the dying Pokémon Go craze?

    Studies on the effectiveness of fidget spinners have led to the similar conclusions across the research board. Scott Kollins, a clinical psychologist and professor at Duke University, responded to claims of the spinners help with controlling things such as PTSD, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by saying, "there's no evidence to support that claim." He followed up on his statement by saying, "I know there's lots of similar toys, just like there's lots of other games and products marketed toward individuals who have ADHD, and there's basically no scientific evidence that those things work across the board." 

    Similarly, Mark Rapport, a University of Central Florida clinical psychologist said, “Using a spinner-like gadget is more likely to serve as a distraction than a benefit for individuals with ADHD.” He explained that full body movement, like cycling or running, engages the brain regions involved in focus, and that flicking a thumb is not doing much for individuals with ADHD.

       There is no significant research or data that suggests that colorful, spinning fidget spinners are anything but a popular toy. It's entertaining, and before we know it there will be another popular toy that will dominate schools. Teachers may find them frustrating and kids may think they're medical, but at the end of the day they're the newest fad that will be gone as quickly as it came.