Fidget spinners don’t seem any more dangerous than most toys when used properly, but better to be safe than sorry.
There’s no doubting that fidget spinners are still super popular. But are they dangerous?
By themselves, probably not. But there are reports that they can be choke hazards, with some stories about kids being sent to the hospital after getting parts of the spinners lodged in their throats. That’s led some parents to ask for a recall, but the problem is that there are a ton of different companies making fidget spinners and a wide variety of products carrying that name,
Anyone who’s seen a low quality spinner knows the weights in the toy’s arm can definitely come out. There are also small batteries in the arms of light-up fidget spinners, which can be hazards as well for small enough children.
Recognizing all of this, the Toy Association issued a press release today urging caution with the toys.
“Fidget spinners are a huge craze right now, sparking debate across the nation about the safety of these products,” Joan Lawrence, The Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs, said in the release. “We encourage parents to always supervise their children, and ensure they are playing with spinners in the way they are intended to be used. A good rule of thumb: if a fidget spinner doesn’t look sturdy or doesn’t have any age or safety labeling, don’t risk it with your child.”
Here are the four guidelines the Toy Association says parents should keep in mind when it comes to fidget spinner safety:
"Follow Age Labels: Make sure fidget spinners are age-appropriate. Always follow age labeling, and if the spinner does not have age guidance on its packaging, don’t buy it. Never give children under three years of age (or those who still put toys in their mouths) any items, such as fidget spinners, that have small parts. Children who are old enough to play with fidget spinners should be taught how to play with them correctly—and instructed never to put them in their mouths."
"Shop at Reputable Retailers:Â Shop at a reputable retailer that you know and trust. Those retailers will be selling products that have been tested and comply with strict U.S. safety standards. When a craze like the fidget spinners hits, you may be tempted to buy one for your child wherever you can find one (like at a pop-up vendor on the street or from an unknown online seller), but the safety of products sold outside a reputable retailer cannot be guaranteed."
"Tips for Light-Up Spinners:Â Small batteries are required to be secured so that a tool or coin is needed to access the battery compartment. Fidget spinners with a light-up feature might utilize small batteries that can be harmful if accidentally ingested. Avoid giving a child a light-up spinner if it does not also have a locking mechanism on the battery compartment."
"Check for Broken Parts: Check fidget spinners periodically for damage. Broken items should be discarded and not left in a child’s environment."
That’s good advice, especially since the genie is more or less already out of the bottle when it comes to regulation.
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In some ways, it’s a bit of a shame the craze has reached this point, but that happens when a bunch of people are all trying to cash in on something that gets this hot this fast. Remember to always be responsible with fidget spinners and use some common sense when it comes to giving them to small children.