WA schools are banning fidget spinners and cubes in classrooms because it’s driving students and teachers to distraction.

The fad “educational’’ gadgets designed to be a stress-reliever to help children with learning difficulties concentrate has become a disruption in class.

Trinity College Junior School principal Martin Tucker addressed all students this week about the hand-held toys which have been booming in popularity among students this term.

“The boys can use them in the playground, but not in class. If they have them in the classroom, their teacher will confiscate them,’’ Mr Tucker said.

“The fidget spinners can, however, can be used by children with special needs at the college’s Mary Rice Centre or under supervision.’’

Play Video Investigation into possible danger of fidget spinners. Investigation into possible danger of fidget spinners.

It’s understood Maylands Peninsular Primary School this week ruled the gadgets would no longer be tolerated in class. An inner-suburban high school has called a meeting for tomorrow to determine its policy on the toys, which are selling so fast local retailers have drawn up waiting lists.

Mandie Shean, a psychologist and lecturer at Edith Cowan University, said the problem was the “so-called mindless” aids was that they actually required some thought, diverting students’ attention from their lesson.

“The concern would definitely be attention distraction,” she said.

The spinners consist of bearings in a three-pronged plastic device which can be flicked and spun round. The cube has six sides, each of which has something different to fidget with.

An Education Department spokesman said it was up to schools to make their own rules in reaction to the fad.

Camera Icon Fidget Spinners are increasing in popularity at Perth schools. The craze has now been banned in the classroom. Pictured are students Issac Quandros (10), Ryan Murphy (10) and Nicholas Day (10) at Trinity College in East Perth. Credit: PerthNow, Justin Benson-Cooper

“Public school leaders make their own decisions regarding what items are permitted on school grounds and in classrooms,’’ she said.

“We are aware that some schools have education plans that include fidget spinners for specific students. Schools are not required to inform the department of these matters.’’

Consumer Protection this week launched a safety investigation into some models of fidget spinners which contain button batteries. A Wangara-based supplier has voluntarily agreed to recall a fidget spinner and a Geraldton retailer has ceased to sell the items but has already sold 141 units.