Alabama Teen Suffers Burns from TikTok Toy Microwave Challenge

An Alabama teenager’s experience is highlighting the risks of a viral social media trend. Thirteen-year-old Eli Blackmon and his family are sharing their story after Eli suffered third-degree burns from exploding a microwaved sensory toy.

Incident Details

Eli, who was 11 years old at the time, discovered videos on TikTok that showed users microwaving NeeDoh squishy toys to soften them. NeeDoh is a sensory toy, similar to a stress ball. The manufacturer’s website describes it as a ‘super soft, stretchy dough-filled glob.’

I thought it was harmless because an adult tried it and nothing happened, Eli told Fox News Digital.

While playing with the toy, it burst, and hot gel splashed onto Eli’s neck, chest, and hands, leading to severe burns.

His mother, Fallon Blackmon, recalled, At first I was just feeling frantic because he was screaming and not communicating. With a husband who is a fire medic and her own experience in emergency services, she knew the gravity of the situation.

Medical Treatment and Challenges

Eli was rushed to a local children’s hospital by ambulance and later transferred to a specialized burn unit. His treatment involved regular visits for wound care and debridement over four months. Despite the severity, skin grafts were not advised due to potential risks to Eli’s airway.

Every procedure was painful, as they were done without pain medication or numbing. Complications included a staph infection from bandages and severe gastrointestinal issues due to fluid loss.

The family faced significant medical expenses during this period. Eli, a jiu-jitsu athlete, missed months of training and competitions because of his injuries.

Warning Against Viral Trends

Both Eli and his mother are advising others against engaging in such social media trends.

Don’t do it! It’s stupid! It causes so much pain and other problems, Eli emphasized.

Fallon Blackmon urged parents to discuss this trend with their children. She said, If you purchase these types of toys, mention this trend and the dangers of doing it, even if they have no social media presence.

Blackmon also emphasized the importance of conversations between children and parents about social media trends. His advice to peers is, Just don’t do any trends on TikTok, even if they seem harmless.

TikTok’s Response

TikTok’s spokesperson noted that content encouraging dangerous behavior violates Community Guidelines. They stated the company removes such videos promptly upon discovery.

The toy’s manufacturer has not yet commented on the incident. This story underscores the need for caution and parental oversight concerning trends viewed by children online.