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Teen who suffered third-degree burns by microwaved NeeDoh toy warns others about social media trend
By Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
JEFFERSON CO., Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – A teenager in Alabama who was burned by a NeeDoh is warning people to stop doing a dangerous social media trend circulating the internet.Eli Blackmon was 11 when he saw a trend on TikTok showing users putting NeeDoh squishy toys in the microwave to make them...
Key takeaway Eli Blackmon was 11 when he saw a trend on TikTok showing users putting NeeDoh squishy toys in the microwave to make them softer.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
In Atlanta , parents and caregivers should be aware of the potential dangers of social media trends, as seen in the case of Eli Blackmon, who suffered severe burns from microwaving a NeeDoh toy. This incident highlights the need for local families to be vigilant about online activities and to educate children about the risks of following trends that can cause harm. As a community, it is crucial to promote safe and responsible behavior, especially among young people who may be more susceptible to peer pressure and online influences. The fact that Schylling, the manufacturer of NeeDoh toys, is working to remove harmful content from social media platforms and including safety warnings on their products is a step in the right direction. However, it is ultimately up to local parents and caregivers to ensure that children are aware of the potential consequences of their actions and to encourage them to make safe and informed choices.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? JEFFERSON CO., Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – A teenager in Alabama who was burned by a NeeDoh is warning people to stop doing a dangerous social media trend circulating the internet.Eli Blackmon was 11 when he saw a trend on TikTok showing users putting NeeDoh squishy toys in the microwave to make them...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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