AIBU?
To think fidget toys are unfair
RantsAndBants · 07/07/2017 21:38
Most school have banned them or confiscated them which is unfair on the children who actually need them for things like anxiety,self harm distraction, ADHD etc.
Now it's just a trend and kids can't get away with using their fidget cubes discreetly .
SmitheringSmithison · 07/07/2017 21:41
Our school have banned them however children who have a genuine such as adhd, asd etc are allowed them no questions asked. My dd has two that she keeps in her book bag for when she needs them (which the school actually gave her) and she often wears her chewable bracelet or necklace-again no issues.
FourEyesGood · 07/07/2017 21:42
Children with ADHD or any other real need are allowed to use them (at my school, they have a laminated pass -with their name on - to show any member of staff who challenges them it tells them to put it away). If they're not allowed and they have a genuine need, complain.
CorbynsBumFlannel · 07/07/2017 21:44
If children that actually benefit from using fidgets in an unobtrusive way aren't allowed them then that's a shame but our school has just banned the spinners as they are an absolute nuisance and distraction to everyone in the class. My son has autism and the chance of him concentrating on anything other than the fidget spinner whilst playing with one would be nil. I'm pretty sceptical about any therapeutic benefit they are supposed to have. Fidgets that are quiet and can.be kept in pockets are still allowed for the children that benefit from them.
Pengggwn · 07/07/2017 21:46
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
RantsAndBants · 07/07/2017 21:51
My niece has been banned from using her fidget cube . She only ever uses it under the desk but it's been banned for everyone and despite and email going out about her using it,most teachers challenge her .
She gets very anxious and overwhelmed. Fidgeting helps distract her x
MaisyPops · 07/07/2017 21:54
No proof they actually work.
99.9% of kids who suddenly feel the need to have one don't need them and use them to distract and it's a ridiculous excuse not to work.
For those children who find fighting helpful, there are many unobtrusive ways to address that and help without letting shitty little faddy toys into the classroom.
And don't get me started on the sudden increase in parents who've decided that their child's behaviour is some undiagnosed need that can be solved with a fashionable toy. Totally takes the mick when there are parents of children with actual needs struggling to get the correct support.
PurplePeppers · 07/07/2017 22:03
Maisy seeing that this is a child who has been usingbthe same fidget tout for years, since primary, and much before they become a trend, I suspect that, for this particular child, it helps her alleviate her anxiety.
Maybe this is not working for every child, or not enough to be considered 'efficient' in research terms. But it works for that child.
If that you in the hands of that particular child has never been an issue before (and before it was a trend), why not leaving her alone??
ineedamoreadultieradult · 07/07/2017 22:09
My son has a tic disorder and if one more person tells me it will be solved by buying him a fidget spinner I may stick the fidget spinner somewhere unpleasant. Fidget spinners are just a novelty. People who can benefit from fidgeting to help them concentrate etc have had various different things at their disposal for years. In my eyes a fidget spinner is just a toy.
Corcory · 07/07/2017 22:27
As the mum of two children with diagnosed ADHD one of whom also has ASD. I can categorically say that a fidget toy definitely helps our DS with his anxiety and keeps him calm especially in large crowded environments like school. Our DD doesn't tend to use fidget toys but she does doodle and draw constantly when in class. she is allowed to do this as it has been proved that she is listening and it controls her anxiety.
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