Authorities warn parents about dangerous TikTok challenge with popular children’s toy that causes ‘traumatizing’ burns
A 10-year-old girl in the UK suffered severe facial burns after participating in a viral TikTok challenge involving microwaving a NeeDoh squishy toy. Her mother is warning other parents about the dangers of such trends after the toy exploded, releasing hot gel. Authorities and the family are urging awareness to prevent further injuries from this and similar challenges.
- ▪Bella, a 10-year-old from Bristol, was hospitalized with burns after a NeeDoh cube exploded in her face during a TikTok challenge.
- ▪The challenge involved freezing and then microwaving the toy to make it more elastic, which caused it to overheat and burst.
- ▪TikTok prohibits content promoting dangerous activities, but such videos continue to circulate on the platform.
- ▪Bella’s mother shared photos of her injuries on Facebook to raise awareness about the risks of viral toy challenges.
- ▪The NeeDoh toy is manufactured by Massachusetts-based Schylling and has become a popular item, sometimes reselling for up to $500.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Viral Trends Authorities warn parents about dangerous TikTok challenge with popular children’s toy causes ‘traumatizing’ burns By Ben Cost Published May 4, 2026, 9:54 a.m. ET A 10-year-old UK girl named Bella was left with "traumatizing" burns after microwaving a NeeDoh cube as part of a viral TikTok trend. Facebook / The Hartcliffe Dingles A 10-year-old UK girl named Bella had to be hospitalized after a TikTok squishy toy stunt literally blew up in her face, leaving her with “traumatizing” burns. Iit looked like she’d been whacked in the face,” her mother Charlotte, 42, from Hartcliff, Bristol told the BBC. Her daughter had reportedly been at a friend’s house when the fiasco occurred.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from New York Post
