The Benefits And Risks Of Fidget Spinners

Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com

You’ve probably seen them at work. You may have noticed a friend using one. And if you are teacher, you have almost certainly seen them in your classroom. The fidget spinner craze has swept the world, and these curious contraptions are both loved and reviled by millions of people. But what the heck are these things? What health benefits do they offer, and what potential risks to they pose? Read on to find out.

 

What, exactly, are these things?

Fidget spinners are little gadgets which consist of a three-pronged piece of plastic that looks kind of like a ceiling fan with a plastic or metal bearing in the center, which allows it to be spun around. It is designed for handheld use, and has a deceptively universal appeal. You see, everybody fidgets in one form or another. Whether it is scratching your nose, tapping your fingers or just a subtle facial twitch. It is simply not natural be sitting or standing still for long periods of time. We all have varying degrees of excess energy which gets directed into small, useless physical activities, collectively referred to as fidgeting.

The genius of the fidget spinner is that it allows this pent-up energy to be directed toward its’ use, rather than a counterproductive or districting activity.

But why do they exist? What, if anything, are the health benefits of using fidget spinners?

There have been numerous reports and publications claiming that the fidget spinner can offer relief to children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and help them direct their energy in a rather benign manner. It is also claimed that fidget spinners can provide some degree of relief to people with anxiety disorders, and to children with autism by helping them to calm down and focus on classroom assignments or other tasks.

Continue to Page 2

PrevPage: 1 of 2Next
//