Study Explores Fidget Toys’ Role in Reducing Youth Self-Harm

Eloise, a 16-year-old from North Yorkshire, reports that using her collection of fidget toys helps alleviate her anxiety and frustration. She has experienced self-harm since the age of 12 and has employed a self-help toolkit, comprising various sensory objects, to manage her anxiety. She is now supporting a research initiative spearheaded by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. This study aims to determine if such kits should be introduced to assist children, including those of primary school age, with their mental health challenges. Eloise expressed her hope that this effort will benefit other young individuals, stating: “Just having something sensory and soothing would have been really helpful to me.” Eloise recounted that her initial consideration of self-harm arose as a method to manage intense feelings of frustration. She elaborated: “I knew some other people were acting on it, and then it clicked in my head that there was a possibility that it was something I could do.” The teenager stated that upon the discovery of her self-harm marks, she attempted to deceive her family regarding their origin. She recalled the initial instance of disclosing her self-harm to her mother, which occurred while they were seated at the breakfast table. Eloise recounted: “I asked her if, when she had been angry, had she thought about hurting herself,” to which her mother responded: “She said no, that’s not something you usually think about.” Eloise reported that she has abstained from self-harm for over five months and is “feeling a lot better” since receiving assistance. She commented: “Sometimes help does not immediately work,” adding, “But you need to find the right type and it does get better.” Eloise asserted that if individuals are “in a state of self-harm, then it is too late.” She has subsequently encouraged young people aged 11 to 18 who engage in self-harm to participate in the Divert project, a study financed by the National Institute for Health Research. This study is examining the potential application of self-help toolkits, which encompass fidget toys, diaries, and other beneficial items, by young individuals. These toolkits are presently utilized by young people experiencing severe mental illness within inpatient units. Dr. Clare Fenton, a child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist, commented: “It does not replicate therapy, it is for those moments in between therapeutic sessions when people are struggling.” She expressed optimism that these kits could serve as a method to prevent young children from experiencing the urge to self-harm. Dr. Fenton further stated: “These self-help toolkits could be deployed almost universally as an early intervention for young people, possibly even before they reach secondary school, so that they know there are other ways to cope.” Support and assistance for individuals affected by the topics discussed in this report are accessible through the BBC Action Line. Highlights from North Yorkshire are available on BBC Sounds, and the latest episode of Look North can be viewed. The BBC encourages sharing stories for potential coverage. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s approach to external linking is available.