The Department of Education is such a joke.
I was recently at a scholarly talk where a researcher analyzed the entirety of the existing studies on this subject. The conclusion was that fidget toys have a negative effect on focus, concentration and learning. There are many studies, and the overwhelming majority says that these sensory objects have a negative effect.
I happen to know this one little factoid because I chanced upon that talk. Imagine how much other poorly researched, dumb things these bureaucratic accounts publish.
Clarissa's Blog 
DoE just tits on a boar hog.
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I think fidget toys have their purpose. My daughter has moderate eczema and during a bad flare having the fidget stops her from completely destroying her skin. Most of the time.
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Definitely, I love fidget toys. But the DoE should at least try to consult actual research before putting out information.
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They can help some students by providing a way to keep their hands busy. But many others just get distracted by the toy in their hands. Things like this are never a tool that helps everyone.
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My point here is that the DofE is putting out a statement that is contradicted by all the existing science. This seems completely purposeless unless the goal is to promote that one guy. Which sounds very corrupt. How many other things are being promoted for corrupt reasons? Nobody can be an expert on everything. These organizations exist to provide serious, scientific information. If they are so corrupt, what are we supposed to do? Research every single thing?
I’m completely indifferent to fidgets but I am worried by this corruption or ineptitude, whatever this is.
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*Even if true* the take-home message is not that squishy toys are a solution to anything. It’s that the school environment *creates* an environment where children are not experiencing appropriate levels and types of sensory stimuli, and they are developing pathological behaviors as a result, like rats living in aquariums. The answer isn’t give the rats a nicer aquarium. It’s that rats aren’t designed to live in aquariums.
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LOL c’mon, first consider the source. The posts of “Hazel Appleyard” closely resemble the ridiculous American afternoon television shows dealing with preposterous stories, usually involving sexual, familial, religious, monetary or all of the above, all highly emotive matters. Moreover, all of the participants, including the announcer(aka carney or barker), the arguing subjects(aka circus clowns), and the loud and appreciative audience have at best room temperature IQ’s ;-D
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Clarissa
LOL, how did this post end up here instead of Don’t Tell Him ;-D
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