Warning Against Viral Social Media Trend

An alarming incident involving a social media trend has underscored its dangerous potential. Eli Blackmon, now 13, experienced severe injuries when a sensory toy, heated in a microwave, exploded. The incident occurred when he was 11, after he saw videos on TikTok showing people microwaving NeeDoh squishy toys to make them softer.

The NeeDoh, described as a “super soft, super stretchy dough” on the company’s website, was thought to be harmless by Blackmon after watching adults attempt the activity without issues. “I thought it was harmless because an adult tried it and nothing happened,” he shared.

However, when Blackmon squeezed the toy, it burst and hot gel coated his neck, chest, and hands, resulting in third-degree burns. “At first I was just feeling frantic because I wasn’t sure what was going on because he was just screaming and not communicating,” recalled his mother, Fallon Blackmon.

“I have to do stretches and moisturize and massage it daily,” Eli said about his scar care.

Blackmon’s parents were caught off guard by the hazardous trend. “If I was aware, we would have had a conversation about not doing it,” his mother said. After the accident, Blackmon underwent extensive treatment for his injuries. He had weekly visits with the burn unit for four months, where doctors performed painful wound care without medication. His athletic pursuits in jiu-jitsu were halted due to the injury.

His recovery was complicated by a rash from bandages that developed into a staph infection and severe GI issues caused by fluid loss from his body. “This was done with no pain meds or numbing, so all his follow-up appointments were very painful,” his mother explained.

Blackmon’s family incurred significant medical expenses over the treatment period. The ordeal not only impacted Blackmon physically but mentally. “I thought I was going to die. I kept telling my parents, ‘I don’t want to die, I’m sorry,’ and that I loved them,” Blackmon remembered.

Both Blackmon and his mother aim to prevent similar incidents by warning others. “If you purchase these types of toys, please just mention this trend and not to do it,” his mother advised. Even children without social media may hear about such trends at school.

Blackmon now focuses on managing his scars to prevent mobility issues. “It hasn’t really changed my confidence because all my friends and family are very supportive and tell me my scar is cool,” he mentioned.

He urges other children to be cautious about social media trends. “Don’t do it! It’s stupid! It causes so much pain and other problems,” he said. He emphasizes discussing these trends with parents.

Blackmon’s mother believes sharing their story is important despite criticism. “Sharing our story and preventing another child from being scarred for life is worth facing online negativity,” she asserted.

TikTok representatives informed Fox News Digital that content promoting dangerous behavior is a violation of community guidelines and is removed when discovered. Fox News Digital sought comment from the manufacturer of the NeeDoh toy.