IT APPEARS the once popular Pokemon Go has faded into the background, with Fidget Spinners now the new craze for young people.

The popularity of the small, twirling, three pronged gadgets has recently exploded, and Myall Coast children have quickly joined the global fad.

“Spinning it is addictive, and once you start, you always want to make it go faster,” Khloe Middleton told News Of The Area.

“It’s fun to have in your hand and it stops you fiddling with other things in class,” Annee-Rose Perry said.

The small, palm-sized toys that spin on a central bearing, cost as little as $5 each, and were originally promoted as devices to help improve concentration for children with autism and attention disorders.

School Counsellor at Tea Gardens, Bulahdelah and Booral schools, Ms Georgia Garr, said the benefits of the Fidget Spinner is a “controversial topic at the moment”.

“There is some evidence linking it with helping students, like those with ADHD, as it gives them something to concentrate on and helps them stay on task,” she said.

“But for a lot of other kids, I think it is just a passing phase like yoyos, and is probably something just to play with, rather than actually helping them in class.”

Like many toys, Myall Coast young people are quickly discovering there is a need to use the Fidget Spinner with caution.

“Your hair can get caught in the bearing when you spin it, and you have it rip it out,” Khloe said.

But regardless of whether it is a concentration tool or just a toy, there is no denying the enjoyment it brings.

“You can have competitions with your friends, like seeing who can spin it the longest,” Khloe told News Of The Area.

“It keeps you entertained, and it is definately a lot of fun to play with,” Annee-Rose said.

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN