Many students have been experiencing mysterious symptoms, and no one has a positive solution to why, though a new theory has emerged. Recently, the newest fad at Cannon Falls schools has been fidgets, such as Needohs and slime. 

For those who don’t know, Needohs come in many shapes, sizes, and colors; meanwhile, slime comes in a variety of colors, scents, and textures. They appeal to students who are in class and who like something to help them concentrate, and keep their hands busy through a lesson. Lillian Olund comments, “I use a fidget all the time during class.”

Around December 2025, they became popular, and since then, students have been reporting and experiencing effects such as, but not limited to, brain fog, uncontrollable talking during class, laughing, use of slang terms, and sleepiness. 

Now, it appears that these fidgets may be the cause of serious side effects within the middle school population at Cannon Falls. Many have reported experiencing these symptoms less than 24 hours after using the fidgets. “I find myself struggling to stay awake in class,” Avery Schaffer says. 

Though the fidgets are not the ultimate solution to why middle schoolers have started experiencing negative effects, they are a strong theory, that is in the works of being researched at scientific laboratories. For now, it is advised that students steer clear of these popular toys.