BUT ARE THEY HELPFUL? Fidget Toys Are Here to Stay
Fidget spinners may be so 2017, but fidget toys (or “fidgets”) are here to stay. While fidget toys are relatively new, the idea of fidgeting isn’t. Clicking your pen, tapping your foot, twirling your hair, and biting your nails are just some examples of fidgeting that you might already engage in. So, why do we fidget — and is it a good or bad thing? Scientists don’t completely understand why people fidget, but many theories point to its potential effects on concentration. Proponents of this idea suggest that people tend to fidget when they are trying to concentrate on something that is either too boring or too challenging. Fidgeting while bored may help you keep your attention up, while fidgeting when overly challenged may help you focus and relax.
One case study showed that students had a 10% increase in academic scores when using fidget toys as opposed to without. Even more impressive, students with ADHD showed a 27% increase in scores when allowed to fidget. Anecdotal evidence from both children and adults with ADHD supports the idea that fidgeting boosts attention and improves memory retention. One of the biggest complaints about fidgeting is that it can be distracting to others. It’s important to know the time and place for your preferred fidget and to find alternatives that won’t be disruptive. No one wants to hear repeated clicking noises (unless they’re the one doing the clicking), but fidget toys with joysticks, sliders, soft buttons, and other quiet options can be a big help.
Fidgeting can also be disruptive to the person fidgeting if you choose an overly complicated or visual toy. If you’re paying more attention to the fidget than whatever you’re trying to concentrate on, it’s time to put the toy away. This is why fidget spinners have been banned in so many schools and why most other fidget toys are very simple, quiet, and tactile-based. If you have a tendency to fidget in your daily life, a fidget toy might be right for you. There are many options available for purchase, and many people like to buy several to determine which works best for them. Who knows, one just might help you stay alert during that conference call!
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