Fidget spinners have become one of the most popular kid gadgets in recent years, providing stress relief and entertainment for children of all ages. However, amidst the craze, it’s essential for parents to stay vigilant. One mom, for instance, shared her concerns about the dangers of these stress-relieving toys and emphasized the importance of educating children about responsible usage. Just like a visit to stiiizy dispensary might require careful consideration and responsible behavior, managing fidget spinners also demands parental guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Kelly Rose Joniec recently took to Facebook to share her daughter, Britton’s story. The 10-year-old was playing with the fidget spinner in the car when her mom heard a weird retching noise.
Looking back in the mirror, I saw her face turning red and drool pouring from her mouth – she could utter noises but looked panicked so I immediately pulled over. She pointed to her throat saying she’d swallowed something, so I attempted Heimlich but there was no resistance, she explained.
The little girl had put one of the fidget spinner bearings in her mouth to clean it, and somehow swallowed it. Joniec said she immediately took her to urgent care followed by the Texas Children’s Hospital. X-ray later showed the fidget spinner was lodged in her esophagus.
Britton underwent surgery to have the toy removed. Although Joniec is relieved with the positive outcome, she still has concern.
“It was pretty scary there for a while…not only because of the initial ingestion, but then the concern about the composition and structure of the object, and finally, the risk with general anesthesia,” she wrote.
Dangers of Fidget Spinners
Now Joniec warns parents that not all fidget spinners come with age appropriate warnings, the bearings can easily pop out, and also presents a choking hazard.
Honestly, I just learned about the toy a couple weeks ago when I saw a teacher reprimanding a student for playing with the toy in class. I didn’t know what she was referring to at the time. She said the popular kid gadget distracted the child from paying attention in class – the complete opposite of what experts claim.
According to advertisers, the toy helps people with ADHD, autism, or anxiety concentrate. But some argue that it’s more distracting than it is helpful.
So when my daughter got one for Easter I thought about the frustrated teacher and told her to keep the spinner at home. I did notice that the product label had a recommended age minimum of six. However, I don’t recall reading anything about it being a choking hazard or that the bearings may come loose.
In fact, it only took a couple weeks for it to come apart. My daughter was able to crazy glue the bearing back on with Grandma’s help.
I never considered the stress-relieving toy dangers until now. After hearing about Britton’s story, I’m even more careful. We allow our daughter to play with the toy. However, I have spoken with her about safety concerns and making sure that her little brother doesn’t play with it.
Should We Blame the Child?
Joniec’s post has been shared over 787,00 shares and received over 80,000 comments of well wishes. But some folks blame the little girl.
“My kids have these and I do not believe they are a hazard in any fashion for an age appropriate child. Why is a 10 year old putting metal bearings in their mouth?! Glad she’s ok, but it’s her fault, not the toys,” one mom wrote.
“Wow how stupid do you have to be to be told not to put it in your mouth,” a man said.
“Wow. Now that’s a scare. I’m glad she’s ok. But how scary is that. Yes I’ve seen these even at gas stations now on long traveled roads. Definitely need a warning,” another woman wrote.
I’m glad that Britton is doing well, and I appreciate Joniec for sharing her story. Unfortunately, these things happen all the time. If I had a dime for every time a kid does something stupid, I’d be rich. It was only a few weeks ago when my daughter took off running with her hands in her pockets. That decision led to her falling flat on her face.
Sometimes things happen that are beyond our control. As parents, we can only do the best we can, educate our children, try to keep them safe, and hope for the best.
What are your thoughts on fidget spinners? Do you allow your children to play with it?
It’s always best to play it safe with these toys… no wonder she was concerned.
Yes. I totally get it. 🙂
In relation to one of the other moms, I too showed my 6 year old son and 9 year old daughter the story of the little girl who choked on one of the parts in the backseat of the car while her mom was driving. I purchased the spinners for both my kids last week and showed them the story on the day I purchased it. Last night, I was in the kitchen when my 6 year old made this retched noise and when I look at him, he was on the living room floor hitting the back of his neck while choking. I immediately went to him and he pointed to the toy on the floor in which I saw the middle was missing. I stuck my finger down his throat and could feel it, but it kept turning around and I couldn’t hook it with my finger to force it up. I began doing the Heimlich remover and I would check to see if it was coming up. It would come up, but not far enough and then go back down. He was vomiting profusely and it still wasn’t coming up. I continued to fight to save my child’s life and he appeared to stop fighting for himself. The object finally ejected out of his throat and rolled across the living room floor. It took him a few seconds, but he finally began to breath. This was by far one of the scariest moments of my life as a mother and I warn every mother to please be aware. As I thought, this would never happened to me, but it did. My son told me that he hated fidget spinners after this incident and asked me to throw all of them away. Words can’t describe how it felt to survive this experience and no toy is ever worth it. I encourage that the companies really make it a priority to warn the parents about the dangers of this product so they could be aware.
Thank you for your articles!
OMG. Wanda, thanks so much for sharing your story. So glad your little one is ok.
Thanks so much for sharing your story Wanda. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post(s). That must have been so scary for you and your son. So glad he’s okay.