TouchPoints for Kids

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

TouchPoints for Kids is a set of wearable devices, worn in a set, that help alleviate stress. In as little as thirty seconds of wearing the devices the wearer will feel a subtle vibration, first on the right then on the left. TouchPoints look much like watches. The vibrations called BLAST technology help to restore calm as well as help to take away the physical sensations associated with stress. TouchPoint users can use the devices around their wrists as well as taking the wristbands off and placing the TouchPoints in tank tops, sports bra straps, pockets, or socks. TouchPoints can be used whenever the user needs to relax and destress. The bands are made of silicone and the buckle is metal. The set of wearable devices retails for $159.99 and comes in a variety of colors. You can also purchase damage insurance for an extra cost.  

I could not find a specific age at which TouchPoint recommended the product could be first used for a child. The wristband size comes in small (5.5”-6.7”) and large (6-7”-8.1”). Touchpoint also sells zippered sweatbands that can be used on the wrists or ankles. Again, like stated above, the TouchPoints can be placed inside pockets too. This could be used for a smaller child. The TouchPoint device itself, in my opinion, is quite large and so would be most suitable for an upper elementary age or older child’s wrist. The TouchPoint measures approximately 1 ¼” x 1 ¼”. The devices are suitable for and would benefit all children. They could be used at home or at school. Set-up was extremely easy. The TouchPoints come with a dual-pronged charging cable. Charging takes about 2-3 hours. The wristbands simply slip onto the TouchPoints and then you are ready to use. To use your TouchPoints, you start by powering on only one of the devices at a time. The on button is on the top of the device. You simply press the button of the device twice to turn it on and activate the blue setting. Next, you face the lights of both TouchPoints together and press the button on the second device once. The light on the second device will match the color of the first device and will vibrate in an alternating pattern. There are three setting: blue is slow, yellow is medium, and purple is fast. You can change the vibration mode by pressing the button on the first device again while both TouchPoints’ lights are facing each other. After this step you can then put on the wristbands and place one TouchPoint on each wrist and feel the calming vibration. Most users wear their TouchPoints for about 20 minutes in the morning or evening, or as needed throughout the day. To turn off the devices simply hold the TouchPoints away from each other and press the button on each device until you see the green light. “TouchPoints’ patent-pending BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation-tactile technology) is scientifically proven to alter the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response caused by stress” There have been case studies performed with TouchPoints in general stress, sleep, performance, focus, irritability, and Parkinson’s Disorder. There is also a preliminary ADHD quotient study with results that show reduction of hyperactivity with TouchPoints. 

 

My 12-year-old daughter tried out TouchPoints for Kids over a period of weeks. She deals with some sensory issues so I was not sure how she would feel about this product. My daughter also deals with anxiety, an inability to focus, and stress. I am always on the look-out for products to help her. She found the TouchPoints and wristband itself to be a bit bulky and, in her words, “not kid friendly at all.” I was a bit disappointed that the kid’s TouchPoint was not smaller, and that the wristband was not narrower. The set fit my wrist. For this reason, my daughter was unable to wear it on her wrists. They were just too big and bulky. I was really disappointed. We ended up using them in her pockets. She was only able to use them on the blue, slow setting due to her sensory issues. She could not handle the vibration as it was distracting to her if she felt it too much. For my daughter they were not as helpful as I had hoped. On the brightside though, I tried the TouchPoints out as well and found the devices to be very relaxing! I was able to use them on my wrists. I find vibration to be very relaxing. I preferred the slow setting. The subtle vibration was all that I needed to feel the stress melt away. I tend to be a very anxious person and found TouchPoints to be very helpful. TouchPoints truly help to calm you down and help you think more clearly. They help shift you from your stress induced “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system to your more logical and peaceful parasympathetic nervous system. 

 

I would recommend parents or individuals looking for a natural way to help alleviate stress to check out TouchPoints. Their website is full of amazing information on more in-depth information on the science behind how TouchPoints work. They also list many more ways in which the technology works for various conditions. They also have a line of product for adults. 

 

-Product review by Jennifer Ladewig, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2020