Anxiety in children is on the rise worldwide, and it is a major source of concern for parents.
Plush toys are a simple yet effective strategy for reducing anxiety in children, especially in today’s fast-paced world with fresh problems.
According to Glenn Ambrose, the country manager for ZURU, these soft, reassuring friends can help children regulate their emotions in addition to providing a cuddly presence.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental disorders affect one in every seven 10 to 19-year-olds worldwide.
Adolescents suffer from depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders, with suicide ranking as the fourth greatest cause of mortality among those aged 15-29 years. Stress, fear, and loneliness are becoming increasingly prevalent.
According to a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 40% of children use transitional objects such as plush toys as a coping mechanism during stressful situations.
These objects provide tangible comfort, reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation.
“Weighted plush toys can help with anxiety as the gentle pressure provided by the heaviness of these toys offers a calming effect, similar to the sensation of being hugged or swaddled,” said Ambrose.
“This pressure has been reported to promote relaxation and feelings of anxiety or stress.”
He continued: “These weighted toys can assist in regulating sensory experiences, providing a calming effect that soothes the nervous system. In addition, these ‘toys’ have the added benefit to aid in better sleep by triggering deep touch pressure.’
Plush toys can be more than just fleeting distractions. Plush toys can help children develop a feeling of predictability by becoming part of their routine.This is especially beneficial for children going through life transformations, such as divorce or starting school.
IOL