A dangerous social media trend has kids microwaving NeeDoh squishy toys, causing the gel inside to boil and explode — resulting in serious burn injuries. Physicians are raising the alarm after multiple children were treated at burn units. Parents and pediatricians are urged to talk with kids about the risks of online challenges before they try them at home.
A viral social media trend is landing children in the hospital with serious scald burns — and it involves a popular squishy toy. Kids are microwaving NeeDoh sensory toys, despite clear packaging warnings against it, causing the gel inside to superheat, burst, and make contact with skin. In one recent case, a 4-year-old suffered burns to her legs, arms, and face. A burn unit in Illinois has already treated multiple children with this exact injury.
Emergency physicians and pediatric specialists are speaking out, noting that scald burns are already the leading cause of burns in children. Deep burns can require hospital stays, surgeries, and prolonged recovery. Toy maker Schylling has partnered with social media platforms to remove misuse content and has reinforced safety warnings on packaging.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Social media accelerates the spread of dangerous trends among children, who are developmentally prone to impulsivity and underestimating risk. Clinicians and parents need to stay ahead of these challenges — because by the time they hear about them, kids are already getting hurt.
