Many students have started bringing NeeDohs to school and have been appearing more in classrooms. NeeDohs are soft, squeezable toys that, according to the MA chronicle, have become more common in school, especially for students who use them to stay calm or pass time. Some students collect different colors and styles, while others just use them as a fun fidget toy.
Studies suggest that fidget toys may help reduce stress for some people. It also says that fidget toys are often used as coping methods for anxiety or attention difficulties, although researchers explain that the evidence is not fully consistent and it depends on the person. This means that while fidget toys like NeeDohs are not proven to work for everyone, they may still help students manage stress and be more focused in class. Ms. Baumgartner shares her thoughts, saying, “I don’t find them to be a distraction, some kids just use it as a fidget device and it’s quiet”.
School can be stressful with homework, tests, and deadlines, so having a simple stress toy can help students manage their emotions. When used properly, a NeeDoh can be less distracting than tapping pencils, clicking pens, or other habits students might have. Because of this, some teachers allow them, as long as they are being used responsibly.
However, not everyone agrees that NeeDohs belong in classrooms. Some teachers and students believe they are just a distraction. Instead of focusing on instructions, students may focus more on the toy rather than their school work. Mr. Ryan explained, “They’re definitely a distraction, that’s exactly what they’re designed to be”. Since NeeDohs are made to be squeezed and played with, they are naturally pulling students’ attention away from learning.
Another issue is that NeeDohs can sometimes cause a conflict between students. Since they are popular, students may argue over borrowing them or become distracted by comparing different ones.
Alexandra Caba, a sophomore at Waterford High School, explained both sides “sometimes they can be a distraction because some people could use them the wrong way or fight over them. But mostly they’re not because it helps people.” Her response shows that the real issue isn’t the actual NeeDoh itself, but how the students chose to use it.
Overall, NeeDohs can be either helpful or a classroom distraction depending on the student and the situation. The different opinions from teachers and students show that there really is no single answer to the debate. In the end, NeeDohs are not automatically a problem, but if they are being used in school, they should be used responsibly.
