Are fidget spinners truly stress busters? The jury is still out
Self-regulation and occupational therapy devices are often used within academic settings to help students remain calm and focused. Recently, the market has seen the mass introduction of a new toy, the fidget spinner, advertised as a self-regulation aid, with tens of millions being sold in India in the past few months alone.
It is been marketed as a useful product to reduce anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and increase concentration. Marketers also claim that it is of great use therapies related to in autism, quitting bad habits and insomnia. However, city psychiatrists have warned against its use without verifying its medical proven credentials.
The psychiatrists said that they do not recommend the use of such products. There is no scientific study to prove their benefits. Without verifying it such products should not be marketed. “The youths have attracted towards this fidget spinner without knowing its consequences. They are using it to reduce the stress but its other way round which is harmful for them,” said Dr. Sagar Mundada, Psychiatrist.
According to experts, the phenomenon of fidget spinners is not new. Similar products have been in practice for the therapies related to mental health. The sudden rise of fidget spinners’ popularity has generated two countering points of views. “One point of view propagates its utility as a stress relieving and concentration improving toys. While other raises question on its fundamental purpose,” added Dr. Mundada.
Conversely, many physicians and educators feel that fidget spinners may ultimately cause an overall reduction in attention levels in the classroom, in children with and without ADHD. Some educators claim that fidget spinners are a significant distraction in the academic setting, often being used solely as a form of entertainment and not as a therapy device. Fidget spinners also have the potential to cause conflict between students if their use is only allowed by the limited group of children who may benefit.
A fidget spinner has a stable middle and a disc with two or three paddles that can be spun, much like a ceiling fan, to relax the user. Also, they are multicolour tools.
It is basically used by the autism patient who are not able to concentrated on one thing are distracted a lot. “It can harm the ADHD patients more as it is not known how they reacts with fidget,” added a senior doctor.
“Such arrangement may cause more distraction. In such scenario, it may not be helpful in concentrating. Thus it may negate its fundamental purpose. Hence we should not make a decision on its use without cross checking its benefits scientifically,” added Dr. Heena Merchant.
“Before using these toys, their dos and don’ts should be taught to children. Children should be professional guidance for the use. Otherwise, it may cause more harm than the good,” added senior doctor.
In western countries, these toys have been allowed in schools in order to help students improve their concentration. Experts emphasise the need for their use after proper training. A number schools in the US have banned them as they create unnecessary distraction.