Schools fidgety as kids go spinning

By Kabeer Yousuf — MUSCAT: May 1 - When Mohammed al Jabry’s seven-year-old son insisted that his father get him a ‘fidget spinner’ just before the weekend, Mohammed, general manager of a big corporate firm, was clueless. But he decided to get his son one. As long as the kid enjoyed playing with it, that is all that matters. Today, it’s not just Al Jabry but all parents out there who are forced to buy this small spinning wheel called ‘fidget spinner’ for their children. It’s a new craze not only in school playgrounds but also in offices. Children are found busy spinning and rotating the gadget for long hours irrespective of the place and time.

Invariably, it seems to be replacing the space previously occupied by video games, tabs and computers, and lately, the hoverboards. Child counsellors say these spinning wheels were originally created to help develop motor skills in autistic children and those with special education needs while improving their concentration and math skills. As for the stressed-out workers, they are proving to be a stress-buster. They might otherwise bite their nails down to the bone or drive the colleagues mad with endless pen-clicking.

The spinners come in different colours and sizes, but the prices don’t vary much. In many Asian countries, companies are thriving on producing these gadgets. According to reports, many schools are reportedly banning these toys in the campus because they are a “distraction to learning and can be dangerous”. Some companies have already issued circulars banning their use during office hours. “Fidget spinners can be a handy tool for improving concentration and focus,” said a student counsellor working in a big school in the capital. “At the same time, they can prove to be harmful as there are chances of fast-rotating spinners hitting objects like television screens or causing injuries to other children,” he said.

However, they are found to be beneficial to children with special needs. “We advise moms who have kids with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) to get a fidget spinner for their wards so they can keep themselves busy. They can prove to be a tranquiliser,” said a school teacher for kids with special needs. Experts say these spinners help in concentration while reducing the stress levels. Watching the smooth, fast and silent rotation of these objects signals the brain to relax. Some musicians are said to have been using it to improve their motor skills before a performance. “The quality of fidget spinners is not being questioned per se. What we are worried about is that this is going to be another addiction among the children, keeping them away from more important things in life such as values and studies,” said Noorul Ameen, an expat septuagenarian.