The Fidget Toy Phenomenon at HC
Writer: Audrey Gao
Editor: Raelyn Cheung
In the hallways of Havergal College, everywhere you turn you’ll notice students squishing, twisting, and squeezing colourful stress toys in their hands. In every classroom you peek into, you’ll see at least one NeeDoh in the hands of a student while they are listening to a lecture about mathematics or Canadian history. What started out as a toy quickly grew into a staple in many students’ daily lives. However, the upsurge of these toys raises the question: are these fidget toys another passing trend, or are they quietly helping students cope with the pressures of high school?
From pop-its to fidget spinners to putty, fidget toys have existed long before the popularization of NeeDohs. Ten years ago, bringing a fidget toy into the classroom was considered uncool and immature. The combination of stigma surrounding anxiety and fidget toys prevented students who needed the fidget toys from using them. However, since the fidget spinner boom in 2017, more and more fidget toys have been flying off the shelves. These past trends laid the groundwork for NeeDohs, as many students and teachers are now aware of what a fidget toy is and its purpose. Thus, it has led to the rise of fidget toys in classrooms and schools. NeeDohs especially have taken Havergal by storm, with many students being seen with a NeeDoh cube, octopus, or fruit. While NeeDohs have existed since 2018, the brand didn’t start gaining traction until 2025. The sudden popularity of NeeDohs is what is incredibly intriguing. School is known to be a stressful environment with the daunting social dynamic and intense academic pressure, most of which is out of the control of many students. Squeezing a fidget toy gives students a comforting sense of control in such an unpredictable environment. One student at Havergal said, “I guess the main reason why I have a NeeDoh is because it is the only way I can control myself. My emotions, my fingers, and my thoughts can be managed by squishing a stress ball.” Additionally, the popularization of fidget toys could be explained by social media trends, increased accessibility, and word of mouth at Havergal. Teenagers often adapt to their surroundings, and seeing a peer squishing a NeeDoh incentivizes them to buy one for themselves.
Furthermore, traditional classrooms equate stillness with focus, yet many students find this expectation restricting. Some people may focus better when a part of their brain is in motion, while others find silence is where they thrive. Doodling is a common form of movement that allows for students to fidget in a way that doesn’t disrupt the class. Even a small, repetitive movement can provide just enough stimulation to reduce restlessness and prevent the mind from drifting off. A fidget toy may simply be replacing habits students already use to stay engaged. Students need to focus on the lesson, but is focus defined as staying still or staying mentally present? Learning is far from universal, so isn’t the popularization of fidget toys beneficial for those who concentrate better with a fidget toy? Fidget toys don’t work for everyone, however with this trend, students are able to advocate for the environment that they thrive the most in. When teachers and students are accepting of fidget toys, it fosters a learning environment that allows students to absorb knowledge in a way that is personalized to each student. Yet, the effectiveness of a fidget is dependent on how it is intentionally used. The toys can often become distractions in classrooms, hindering students’ concentration during a lecture. Therefore, the students of Havergal are responsible for making thoughtful decisions regarding their use of fidget toys.
Moreover, fidget toys not only serve as a tool for concentration but can also act as an aid for those with anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health challenges. Mental health awareness has increased exponentially since the 2000s, yet there is still stigma surrounding the topic. Students often struggle quietly with no coping mechanisms to resort to. Imagine spending an entire day being socially overwhelmed with no way of relieving that anxiety. A fidget toy gives someone something tangible to hold onto, making overwhelming times feel just a little more manageable. A student at Havergal College stated that “During tests, I often find myself squishing my NeeDoh in order to calm myself down so I can think clearer.” It is evident that NeeDohs are not only a fun toy to have but a tool that acts as a grounding mechanism in order to regulate emotions and thoughts when a person is in public. This preceding point raises the question: is the rise in fidget toys good? Although some students tend to buy fidget toys because they are fun to play with, others use them to fight their silent battles. These tools that seem simple on the surface often support emotions people may not feel comfortable openly expressing. A NeeDoh in a student’s hand may reflect what we cannot see inside their minds. When more and more people are using these fidget toys, the stigma surrounding mental health conditions can be significantly reduced.
Ultimately, the growing presence of fidget toys at Havergal College extends to a larger impact beyond simple amusement. Whether trend or tool, their popularity has allowed for students to manage their emotions and thoughts in a high-pressure environment that demands perfection and hours of concentration. The question shouldn’t be if fidget toys are inherently good or bad, but rather how intentionally they are being used. If even one student can find focus, calm, or clarity, perhaps this seemingly trivial trend is meaningful after all.