IHMS has restricted Needohs and other squishies. A message went out to parents on Friday, March 27, 2026. Students are upset about the restriction.
The email said, “We’ve recently seen an increase in students bringing Needoh-style sensory toys to school. Unfortunately, these items are prone to bursting, which has caused damage to our floors and created difficult clean-up situations. Additionally, the contents may cause skin irritation for some students. We ask that families please keep these toys at home and not send them to school. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a safe and clean learning environment for all students.” Needohs, a squishy fidget many students bring to class, have burst and damaged school resources, which was the cause for the restriction.
Outside of Indian Hills, other damage has been caused by Needohs bursting. Some people have even microwaved them on the internet, causing it to explode on their faces and potentially injure them. Needohs can be used safely, and students are disappointed their beloved trinkets have been prohibited.
Dr. Capper stated on the matter, it wasn’t “a ban” because she “wasn’t going to get students in trouble, but she’s strongly suggesting not bringing them to school.”
Q: What was the direct cause for the Needoh restriction?
A: “It was in the newsletter because we’ve seen higher frequency and [because] mainly students are pulling the inside of the Needoh out, intentionally or accidentally, and it’s getting on the floor and walls of the cafeteria.” Dr. Capper explained. “Inside is a polyvinyl alcohol gel, which is very difficult to get off of the walls, especially during a passing period. We have quite a few students with specific needs or equipment, for instance a wheelchair, and if the inside of a Needoh were to get inside the wheel, it would impact the capability of it.”
Q: Would you consider Needohs a safety issue?
A: “I don’t know if I would necessarily consider it a safety as much of a learning issue…I would say it’s more of a learning issue because students are using them during class. I would say it could become a safety issue, like if a student with equipment or crutches were to get stuck in it, but that’s more of a one-time problem. How they’re being used has been a distraction to the learning environment.” Dr. Capper said.
Britteny Jackson, our school’s custodian, has had to clean up the exploded Needohs, which had caused damage to walls from “a lot of liquid stuff on the floor.” She said it required a broom, dustpan, mop, and gloves to clean it up. She says she’s glad about the Needoh restriction.
Eighth graders Charli Reeves and Amelia Lemm offered their thoughs Needoh restriction.
Q: Tell me about your usage of Needohs.
A: “I just like, had them in class, because I thought the were like, fun,” Charli explained.
A: “They helped me focus in class. Having them during a test, not just the big ones but also like, the small ones, helped me focus a lot better.” Amelia added.
Q: Have you ever gotten in trouble because of a Needoh? What happened?
A: “I haven’t really gotten in trouble, but I’ve had teachers who were like, ‘put it away’ because other people would be throwing them and not paying attention.” Amelia said.
Q: How do you feel about the restriction?
A: “I feel like it’s kinda silly because like, some kids like to have them because they help them focus.” Amelia said.
A: “I do feel like it’s kinda silly, but I also feel like some kids ruined it for everybody. Some kids, like, popped them on purpose.” Charli agreed.
The Needoh restriction may have been controversial to students, but it may have been a necessary repercussion.
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not if i have anything to do with it
son