Teen Faces Severe Consequences from Social Media Trend
An Alabama teenager, Eli Blackmon, aged 13, is highlighting the dangers of a viral social media challenge after suffering severe injuries. At age 11, Eli attempted a trend he saw on TikTok, where users microwave NeeDoh sensory toys to soften them. This resulted in severe burns.
The NeeDoh toy, often compared to a stress ball, is characterized as a ‘gratifying super soft, super stretchy dough filled groovy glob’ according to the manufacturer’s details. Eli’s experience turned dangerous when, upon removing the toy from the microwave, it burst. Hot gel from the toy sprayed onto his neck, chest, and hands, causing third-degree burns.
Family’s Immediate Reaction and Response
Eli’s mother, Fallon Blackmon, initially felt overwhelmed, hearing her son scream without understanding the situation. While both parents have emergency response experience, this did not ease their panic. Fallon had no prior awareness of the trend.
After the accident, Eli required frequent visits to a hospital’s burn unit. Over a period of four months, doctors treated his wounds through skin debridement and wound care, often without pain relief.
Pain and Recovery Challenges
Eli recounts the intense pain and fear he experienced, worried about his survival and expressing love and apologies to his family during the ordeal. His medical treatment included potential skin grafts; however, due to airway risks, these were not pursued. Multiple visits were required for dead skin removal and managing the development of granulation tissue.
The recovery process was not only painful and arduous but financially burdensome due to hospital and doctor bills. Eli, a dedicated jiu-jitsu athlete, also missed months of practice and competitions.
A Cautionary Message
Today, Eli and his mother advocate for awareness about the dangers of following social media challenges. They urge parents to talk to their children about these trends, even if they seem harmless. Eli takes daily measures such as stretching and moisturizing his scars to maintain mobility.
Eli remains positive, with encouragement from his friends and family, but stresses the importance of avoiding trends on platforms like TikTok: ‘Don’t do it! It’s stupid! It causes so much pain and other problems.’ He encourages communication with parents before attempting any trend.
Platform and Manufacturer Responses
TikTok has stated that videos promoting dangerous behavior violate their Community Guidelines and are swiftly removed once identified. Inquiry was made to the manufactures of NeeDoh for comments regarding the incident.
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