This is a very valuable code because it is almost impossible for a youngster to ask for attention directly. You can seek attention through behaviour or being difficult, etc., but to ask directly for attention is extremely difficult.
There are times when people need attention. There are times when people feel they are being neglected. often this is in fact the case. Quiet people often get neglected because everyone else thinks they are perfectly capable of getting on by themselves.

To ask for attention seems weak and feeble. It should not be and it need not be. So having a code that signals this request is useful.

There are people who demand attention all the time. There are dependent people who cannot cope on their own. The code is not designed to help this behaviour. The code is for occasional use by those who really need it.

It may be that a decision is being made and someone is being left out of the discussion. The code signals: 'I am here and I am involved. I want to be considered.'