They are the latest playground craze sweeping through Scottish schools – but parents are being warned of the dangers of the new must-have toy.
Fidget spinners, like a modern take on worry beads, have been selling out in shops.
However, Aberdeenshire council has issued a stark warning to consumers as reports of detached parts becoming choking hazards are circulating the internet.
So far, there have been no recorded incidents of choking in the north-east, but Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards manager Wilma Urquhart is urging parents to be vigilant.
She said: “We are warning parents not to allow children under 36 months of age to play with these items.
“Furthermore check that if your children have a light-up fidget spinner, the battery is only accessible by using a tool, such as a screwdriver. Do not allow children to play with items which have unsecured access to batteries.”
The authority has warned buyers to check their spinners packaging bears the European conformity ‘CE’ Mark and details of manufacture or import into the EU and has stated that trading standards officers will be spot-checking retailers to ensure they are compliant.
With prices starting at £2 and with an “8+” warning on conforming products – the ‘fad’ toy appears not just to be for children. Bespoke spinners are available for around £200 and many adult-only discussion groups have sprung-up online for fans.
The whirling gadgets have taken off in popularity recently and have also been hailed as having calming, even therapeutic benefits – especially for children with ADHD.
One of the occupational therapists at Aberdeen’s SensationAll therapy centre, Mhairi McGarrity, last night praised the ‘toy’ and said they helped to keep children more focused, adding: “I suppose it can be like having a comfort blanket – they are a distraction, yet help to keep them focused and calm. I think they can be a benefit in schools.”
An Aberdeenshire council spokesman said: “If you believe your child may have swallowed a button cell battery, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to make them vomit.”
Moray, Aberdeen City and the Highland councils were not aware of any accidents involving the toys, but said they would “continue to monitor stockists”.
