Squishy toy trend caused 'traumatising' burns

A dangerous social media trend of microwaving squishy toys has left one girl with "traumatising" burns, a parent has warned.

Charlotte, 42, from Hartcliffe in Bristol, said her daughter Bella, 10, could be scarred for life after she copied the trend and sustained serious facial injuries.

Schools leaders and parents need to be made aware of the trend, which is being shared on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, Charlotte added.

A TikTok spokesperson said any content that promotes dangerous behaviour that may lead to serious injury is a violation of the company's community guidelines and will be removed.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents policy officer, Rhiain Reynolds, said "misuse of household appliances can have devastating consequences".

"RoSPA urges parents and carers to talk to children about the dangers of copying online trends and to reinforce that microwaves are not toys," she said.

Bella had been playing at a friend's house when she copied the viral trend.

"When she came in, I could see straight away her face was bright red, it looked like she'd been whacked in the face and I could see the scald mark and there was skin missing and blisters," Charlotte said.

"Because of the silicone outer layer, they couldn't feel how hot it was inside, so her friend squeezed it, which is when it burst on to both of them.

"She was in absolute tears."

Charlotte said the toy was unbranded and purchased from a local shop.

The NHS advises to call 111 if your child has a burn or scald, and you are not sure what to do.

If they get a burn or scald that is very large or deep, is on the face, genitals or bottom, the NHS advises to contact your nearest A&E or to call 999.

Charlotte said other parents informed her of a TikTok trend that could be behind the incident.

"I searched it and saw videos of kids and adults showing 'how fun it is' to put the toys in the microwave to make them more elastic," she said.

Charlotte shared a post on Facebook, warning other parents about the trend.

Gemma Wells from Bristol responded saying her child's face had also been seriously scalded after doing the same thing.

In the photograph, she has a blistering wound on her cheek.

On Facebook she said: "It was one of the scariest things ever. It was traumatising."

The government is currently consulting on an outright ban of children using social media.

Social platforms operating in the UK are already required to show their efforts to make children's experiences safer.

Charlotte said a ban "would help" protect children from harmful content similar to what led to Bella getting hurt.

"I think it's a good idea.

"There's a lot of apps that come across as child-friendly, but actually they can be dangerous for children. I don't want this to happen to anyone else," she added.

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