Fidget toys help some people concentrate, but they’re a big distraction for others

Shortly after fidget spinners became popular, many schools began banning them because they were larger distractions in classrooms than they were beneficial for most students. Debate surrounds fidget spinners and other such toys about their effectiveness in aiding concentration or releasing anxious energy, and there is little data to demonstrate one viewpoint or the other. Here, we aim to look closer into some established studies and reviews in the child psychology literature to determine if fidget toys are truly beneficial or simply snake oil.

What Is Fidgeting?

Fidgeting is defined as making small movements in a restless, nervous, or impatient manner. Common forms are bouncing a leg up and down while thinking or twirling a pen around a finger. It is considered a bad habit in schoolchildren because it can distract others or indicate a lack of attention.

In 1975 Dr. Sydney Zentall published the optimal stimulation theory about hyperactivity and fidgeting¹. He proposes that every individual has an optimal level of stimulation in which they concentrate best: Noisy environments may help some of us, while others require silence.

But when children are in an environment without enough stimulation, they may seek out sensory stimulation, either by tapping a pen against a table or fidgeting with an object between their hands. By such fidgeting, which increases sensorimotor stimulation, a child with ADHD may reach optimal stimulation and concentrate much better.

A recent review of literature determined that allowing a child with ADHD to fidget was more effective than psychostimulant drugs, especially if the child has any other co-occurring disability².

While the research literature suggests that fidget toys may be well-suited for individuals with ADHD or other learning disabilities, the role of fidgeting in depression and anxiety is not as well understood. Evidence does indicate optimal levels of sensorimotor activation that improves mood, especially in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD)³. But it is not well understood if sensorimotor stimulation from a fidget toy is enough to improve mood.

To Fidget or Not to Fidget?

A fidget toy may be a worthwhile solution for students who have difficulty concentrating in class or for adults who tend to fidget at their desk. However, if you are considering a fidget toy for your child, it may be advisable to work with classroom teachers. While the concept of a fidget spinner appears theoretically sound, it is a toy that spins around and can offset another student’s concentration by being too stimulating. Maybe it’s best stick with a toy that can be fidgeted under the desk.