Teenager Warns Others After Suffering Burns from Viral TikTok Trend
An Alabama teenager and his family are raising awareness about a risky social media trend after he sustained severe burns when a microwaved toy exploded. Eli Blackmon, who is now 13, was only 11 when he tried heating a NeeDoh sensory toy, inspired by videos he saw on TikTok.
The NeeDoh toy is a soft, squishy item that many kids use for stress relief. Eli mistakenly thought it was safe because he had seen an adult attempt the same thing without issue. However, when he removed it from the microwave, it burst upon squeezing, causing hot gel to splatter across his neck, chest, and hands, resulting in third-degree burns.
“It was very frightening,” said Eli’s mother, Fallon Blackmon. “He was screaming and not able to communicate what was happening.” Although she works in emergency services, she said she wasn’t aware of this trend prior to Eli’s injury.
In the aftermath, Eli’s burns required extensive medical treatment, including visits to a burn unit for wound care that caused him considerable pain. Doctors advised against skin grafts due to concerns about his airway. During his four months of treatment, he missed significant time from his jiu-jitsu training and competitions.
Eli described the pain as overwhelming, recalling, “I thought I was going to die.” The family faced thousands of dollars in medical bills during this ordeal.
To prevent other families from suffering similar experiences, Fallon urges parents to discuss the dangers of online trends with their kids. “Even if they don’t use social media, they’re still hearing about these things from their friends,” she said.
Eli now cares for the scar daily to maintain mobility in his neck. He has received supportive feedback from friends and family, which helps boost his confidence. “Just don’t do it! It’s stupid!” Eli warns other young people considering these TikTok trends. “Talk to your parents first.”
Both Eli and Fallon hope their story will help educate others and prevent future injuries. Meanwhile, a representative from TikTok stated that content promoting dangerous activities is against their guidelines and is removed promptly.
As Eli continues his recovery journey, he remains determined to inform peers about the possible dangers of viral challenges.
