CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A trend intended for fun has left a 10-year-old Cleveland girl in pain.
She has second degree burns on her hands and fingers, and it all stems from “The Microwave NeeDoh TikTok Challenge.”
“This kid had second degree burns, but it could have been so much worse with burns to face and hands,” said John Kearns from the Cleveland Fire Department.
The video was shared by the young girl’s mom.
The mother said her daughter was putting a ‘NeeDoh’ toy in the microwave to make it softer, unaware that it would burn her as part of the viral online challenge.
“Anything with TikTok or social media, parents need to watch out for things like that. The needoh says on the packaging don’t put it in the microwave,” said Kearns.
In March, the Ohio School Safety Center put out a warning saying the challenge can lead to fires, burn injuries and damage equipment.
19 News talked with people with kids and young family members.
“Watch what your kids are doing,” said Christine Eckert.
Do not microwave the toy, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and educate kids about the potential dangers of the trend.
“My niece is only 4 right now, but social media is only going to grow and grow by the time she gets to that age, so I do have concerns about that being online,” said Mia Basit-Hightower.
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