Have you ever heard of a “Pop It”? It’s a silicone toy that mimics bubble wrap; when pressed, it seems to “pop” like popcorn, and it has recently become a huge craze not only in Brazil but around the world.  Available in various colors, sizes, and shapes, they’re considered “fidget toys”—a loose, literal translation of the term—but, oddly enough, they’re seen as stress-relief toys and, more recently, as toys that help improve focus. Is that really true?

It is considered a toy because it engages sensory channels such as touch, hearing, and sight, and because it allows the user to engage in an activity that fosters creativity—while, of course, posing no danger. Therefore, both the Pop-It and the many other fidget toys that have since emerged (the original was created in 1975 by an Israeli company, Theora Design) can be fun and spark interest.

It’s fun as well as intriguing. In fact, what really captures the brain’s interest is novelty, curiosity, and “quick and easy” tasks. The fact that you use your senses without relying so much on reasoning and verbal language provides a kind of rest for the mind, not to mention that the actions of popping the round bumps and bubbles keep you in the present moment—in other words, you pop a bubble and “receive” the response, as a form of reward, in the form of a distinctive little sound.

A game can serve an educational purpose if it has a pedagogical focus.

Is the Pop It a stress reliever—in other words, does it help relieve stress?

Yes, it acts as a form of relief—a release of pent-up energy that might otherwise turn into tension, but which finds a playful and relaxing outlet. The connection to the funny little sound (for many) and the movements performed in the here and now (in the present), along with the pleasurable sensation, help reduce some tension and can minimize stress.

Is the Pop It a better toy than the Spinning Ring or something similar?

As mentioned earlier, what usually sets these toys apart is their novelty. The brain loves new things, which is why there will always be a new fidget toy.

Toy or game?

It’s a toy if it’s used freely, if it’s simply fun and fosters creativity and imagination. It’s a game if the play is guided, if it has rules or instructions designed to expand possibilities or achieve specific goals. This Pop-It can be both; it can be used in these and other ways. And if your child or student spends less time on TikTok, they’ll be even healthier.

How can a toy switch between mindfulness and mindlessness?

It all depends on the purpose and the type of use. If parents provide a toy so that the child “won’t bother them,” so they don’t have to play with the child, or so the child will “stay quiet,” we may be missing out on the potential that the toy offers. Therefore, whenever possible, reflect on the why and the how, rather than just the what.

Neglect can also mean allowing a child to use apps like TikTok freely and without supervision. If we take a moment to reflect on their effects:

• It promotes unhealthy lifestyles and an unrealistic body image, which can trigger even more anxiety among students.
• It encourages addictive behavior, since the app itself was designed for that purpose.
• It encourages fleeting achievements through the rapid flow of content (approximately 5,760 pieces per person every 12 hours)
• It trains the mind to expect rewards every 15 seconds, since that’s the approximate speed of the videos. It doesn’t train patience, focus, or tolerance for the frustrations inherent in life.

 

Between a child being glued to TikTok and being immersed in nature or make-believe play, which will help them develop better? Or what harm could it cause? Or, what does a child need to grow up fulfilled, healthy, and secure?

These questions are the responsibility of parents and should be supported by the school.

 

 

 

References:
 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnkoetsier/2020/01/18/digital-crack-cocaine-the-science-behind-tiktoks-success/?sh=7984109a78be

 

https://visao.sapo.pt/atualidade/sociedade/2021-09-16-pop-it-a-historia-por-detras-do-brinquedo-da-moda/

 

FÓZ, A. Frustration: How to Develop Your Emotional Skills to Face the Challenges of Personal and Professional Life. São Paulo: Benvirá, 2019.

 

BURCH, V., PENMAN, D. Mindfulness for Health: A Simple Plan to Relieve Pain, End Stress, and Rediscover the Joy of Living. Lua de Papel, 2014

 

 

Learn more about the author:

Did you like this content? Share it on your social media: