P.S. 196 on Ward Avenue is prohibiting the use of newly popular fidget spinners on its grounds.

Fidget spinners were originally designed to be stress relievers for students with conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But the spinners caught on more widely, and P.S. 196 has outright banned their use in most cases.

The school sent a letter to parents stating that students are trading fidget spinners, throwing them around and using them as if they're toys designed solely for fun.

The city Department of Education has not taken a particular stance on the subject. Officials say schools are allowed to make decisions about students' use of the spinners at their own discretion, based on the needs of the school community.

The P.S. 196 letter also said that any parents who have children with learning disabilities, who feel that fidget spinners can improve their child's academic performance, have to provide the school with a written doctor's note saying so. Otherwise, the school will not make exceptions.