The NUS Asked Its Student Delegates To Use Jazz Hands Instead Of Clapping To Avoid Triggering Anxiety

The National Union of Students was the subject of ridicule on Tuesday after telling its delegates to use jazz hands instead of clapping in order to avoid triggering anxiety.

Some delegates are requesting that we move to jazz hands rather than clapping, as it's triggering anxiety. Please be mindful! #nuswomen15

— NUS Women's Campaign (@nuswomcam) March 24, 2015

A spokesperson for the NUS justified the decision saying: "The request was made by some delegates attending the conference. We strive to make NUS events accessible and enjoyable for all, so each request is considered."

However this didn't stop numerous people from poking fun at the union, with some wondering whether the Twitter account was a spoof.

@nuswomcam Is this satire?

— Anthony Veitch (@tonyveitchuk) March 24, 2015

.@nuswomcam Brilliant. You've won the internet, for ever and ever. You can keep it.

— Greg Cook (@ImGregCook) March 24, 2015

@nuswomcam You know the whole world is checking you aren't a parody account when you tweet stuff like that?

— House of Cake (@GreedyRosie) March 24, 2015

@nuswomcam @Little_G2 hi, jazz hands can be triggering because of the quick movement of the hands. I vote blinking rapidly instead. Thanks

— Book Geek (@BookGeek_T) March 24, 2015

@nuswomcam @Little_G2 also it's shocking ableism as many cannot do 'jazz hands'.

— Book Geek (@BookGeek_T) March 24, 2015

@nuswomcam best tweet of the day. Made me laugh just thinking about it. Thanks.

— Mark Ellis (@CultureEffect) March 24, 2015

@nuswomcam @Nero Open palms can be triggering. Well, so can closed ones... you should just ban any outward expression of approval.

— Jason (@JLat55) March 24, 2015

.@nuswomcam I'm afraid jazz hands are only effective when accompanied by a tap dance. My elephant feet will be awfully loud. #jazzhands

— Kell (@KellDeggers) March 24, 2015

Nona Buckley-Irvine, general secretary at the London School of Economics Students' Union, told Newsbeat: "Jazz hands are used throughout NUS in place of clapping as a way to show appreciation of someone's point without interrupting or causing disturbance, as it can create anxiety.

"I'm relatively new to this and it did feel odd at first, but once you've used jazz hands a couple of times it becomes a genuinely nice way to show solidarity with a point and it does add to creating a more inclusive atmosphere."

There are several types of anxiety disorders, which can be treated with cognitive therapy, medication or psychotherapy - or a combination of all three.

For more information about anxiety, visit the NHS' website.