Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

This 'must-have' toy has been banned in some UK schools and is selling out here

Irish schools may follow suit if fidget spinners result in bullying.

shutterstock_627108017 Shutterstock / racksuz Shutterstock / racksuz / racksuz

THERE’S A NEW toy craze happening in Ireland and beyond: fidget spinners.

You might not have heard of them, but they’re selling out in many shops.

Image uploaded from iOS This EuroGiant in Dublin city is one of the many shops that have sold out of the toys Nicky Ryan / TheJournal.ie Nicky Ryan / TheJournal.ie / TheJournal.ie

The toys are marketed as stress-relievers and tools to help children with ADHD and autism to concentrate. They range in price from about €1 to over €100 (if you want a really fancy one).

The toy is essentially three sections that spin around a weighted disc. Videos of tricks that can be performed with them have become very popular online, particularly among younger people.

What's Inside? / YouTube

However, their use has been banned by some schools in the UK and US as they’re becoming a distraction in classrooms.

tweet2 Twitter Twitter

A spokesperson for the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) told TheJournal.ie they’re aware of the toy’s popularity here, saying that banning them is a matter for individual schools.

“Primary schools will deal with this pragmatically, as they’ve done with many other ‘must-have’ toys over the years. They won’t allow them in class if they’re causing disruption, they’ll be allowed in the playground or to play with after school.”

The spokesperson compared this trend to Pokémon trading cards, which were previously dubbed the ‘must-have’ toy and resulted in some fights on playgrounds.

There are plenty of examples over the years of children being bullied over not having a ‘must-have’ toy … Schools deal with this routinely.

“In the case of them causing a major disruption in class or major fights, children will be told to leave them at home.

“If it’s just kids having fun with them, there’s no problem. If kids are being intimidated or bullied over them, teachers will act,” the spokesperson stated.

Read: Shane Ross wants ‘to take on monopolies’ with independent third terminal at Dublin Airport

Read: ‘Still throwing spears?’: The gaffe-prone Prince who was the ‘strength’ behind British throne

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
32 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Its just Teddy
    Favourite Its just Teddy
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 12:19 PM

    No need to worry about this here in Ireland just like there film and tv streeaming service it will never open in Ireland as it’s not cost effective or worth the hassle for them to buy the Irish streaming rights.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute monoelectron
    Favourite monoelectron
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 1:40 PM

    well zune/xbox music too about 6 years, google music around 2 or 3 so it might come eventually

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Moran
    Favourite Patrick Moran
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 12:13 PM

    When network coverage in rural areas becomes acceptable I might consider it. Until then it’s the trustee CD for me.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James St John Smith
    Favourite James St John Smith
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 12:15 PM

    Did CDs just arrive down the country?

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal Barry
    Favourite Fergal Barry
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 1:07 PM

    Easy to be smug wit your 100 mb download speeds in the shittys. . 8 track it is for me still!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Roche
    Favourite Paul Roche
    Report
    Jun 12th 2014, 12:22 PM

    Ok,
    If a business (bar, restaurant, hairdressers etc.) opts to stream music to their customers and Amazon, Spotify and Beats are paying songwriter royalties, how does this affect the IMRO Licence that businesses are obliged to have?

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds