local
Teen who suffered third-degree burns by microwaved NeeDoh toy warns others about social media trend
By Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The dangers of social media trends are a concern for Laredo parents, who should be aware of the potential risks their children may face when participating in online challenges. The story of Eli Blackmon, who suffered severe burns from microwaving a NeeDoh toy, serves as a cautionary tale for local families. As Laredo children navigate the online world, it's crucial for parents and guardians to monitor their activity and educate them about the potential consequences of following trends without considering the safety implications. 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 vigilance in protecting children from online dangers. Laredo parents should take this opportunity to have open conversations with their kids about online safety and the importance of thinking critically about the information they consume on social media.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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