Teachers in a spin over craze

Dundee school has banned the devices and others could well follow suit

Local authorities have refused to rule out further school bans on a toy craze gripping the nation.

Fidget spinners are all the rage among Scottish children, and are flying off the shelves of toy shops.

However Craigiebarns Primary in Dundee has completely banned the devices from its grounds, claiming they are “a distraction” for youngsters.

In a letter to parents the school also said fidget spinners could “really hurt someone” if thrown in the playground.

The toys have also been banned from Forthill Primary School in Broughty Ferry, with pupils informed of the ban at an assembly yesterday.

The primaries are the latest in a string of schools across the country to ban the toys, despite claims they can have health benefits for both young and old.

The handheld gadgets work by being twirled between fingers, and were first developed as a means for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism to relieve stress.

However, last night councils across Courier Country refused to rule out further bans being implemented at schools.

We heard it had come through as a support tool to help people with ADHD and autism to connect more. From there they just exploded.

ROSS PAMPLIN

The head of education at Fife Council, Shelagh McLean, said: “If any of our schools are experiencing disruption as a result of pupils using fidget spinners they will take the appropriate action.”

A spokeswoman for Dundee City Council said: “It is up to individual schools to make a decision regarding the use of fidget toys; any decision that is made will be communicated to parents and families.

“Specific learning aids can be provided to any pupils who have been found to need them following assessment.”

A spokeswoman for neighbouring local authority Angus Council said: “It is up to individual schools to make plans with their children as to appropriate use.”

Last night Ross Pamplin, manager at Dundee toy shop the Entertainer, said Dundee was in the midst of a major “toy trend” because of the fidget spinners, which have been among the shop’s most popular items for months now.

He said: “We heard it had come through as a support tool to help people with ADHD and autism to connect more. “From there they just exploded. “It really came about three weeks ago, we started playing with them and demoing them.

“It kind of exacerbated from there and it has become a major thing for us. It has been a great toy trend.

“We’ve just had a large delivery. There was a high demand for them for sure; we have managed to keep up with that demand.”