7 things you should know about fidget spinners

1. A fidget spinner is a type of stress-relieving toy. A basic fidget spinner consists of a bearing in the center of a design made from any of a variety of materials including brass, stainless steel, titanium, copper and plastic. 

2. The toy has been advertised as helping people who have trouble focusing or fidgeting (such as those with ADHD, autism, or anxiety) by acting as a release mechanism for nervous energy or stress. Responses from experts have been mixed. 

3. Although they were invented in the 1990s, fidget spinners became a popular toy in 2017. 

4. Catherine Hettinger, a chemical engineer by training, was initially credited by some news stories to have been the inventor of the fidget spinner. Hettinger applied for a patent on May 28, 1993 for a one-piece round device made of "soft plastic" with a "dome" and a "skirt" then pitched her spinner device to toy manufacturers. However, Hasbro declined to pursue a deal after market-testing it. Hettinger decided not to renew the patent as she did not have the cash to do so in 2005, letting it lapse instead.

5. On December 23, 2016, James Plafke of Forbes published an article describing fidget spinners as the "must-have office toy for 2017."

6. In late March, users on social media websites such as YouTube and Reddit began uploading videos reviewing and performing tricks with fidget spinners.

7. Some schools all over the world have banned students from bringing the toy to classes. Although banning has happened on a case-by-case basis, many teachers are united in their annoyance.