local
Teen who suffered third-degree burns by microwaved NeeDoh toy warns others about social media trend
By Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
In Midland , where social media trends can spread quickly among local youth, the warning from a teenager who suffered severe burns from a microwaved NeeDoh toy is particularly relevant. As parents and caregivers in the Permian Basin area, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers of such trends and to have open conversations with children about the risks of misusing certain products. The fact that Eli Blackmon, now 13, had to warn others about the trend just a few weeks ago suggests that this behavior is still occurring, and it's essential for local families to be vigilant. Midland's schools and community organizations can also play a role in educating children about online safety and the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to social media challenges. By working together, we can help prevent similar incidents from happening in our community.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lauren Harksen, Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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