local
Teen who suffered third-degree burns by microwaved NeeDoh toy warns others about social media trend
By Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
In Nashville , parents and caregivers should be vigilant about the online activities of children, as social media trends can quickly spread and have severe consequences. The story of Eli Blackmon, who suffered third-degree burns from a microwaved NeeDoh toy, serves as a cautionary tale for local families. Nashville's community should be aware of the potential dangers of social media challenges and take steps to educate children about online safety and responsible behavior. The fact that Schylling, the manufacturer of NeeDoh toys, has had to issue a statement and work with social media companies to remove harmful content highlights the need for local authorities and organizations to be proactive in addressing these issues. As Nashville's children return to school and spend more time online, it is crucial for parents, educators, and community leaders to have open conversations about the risks associated with social media trends and the importance of making informed, safe choices.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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