Squishy toy trend caused 'traumatising' burns

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Squishy toy trend caused 'traumatising' burns 5 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jasmine Ketibuah-Foley Bristol Charlotte Bella could be scarred for life after taking part in the trend 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.

The Details

More from Bristol Man critical after suspected homophobic attack How new law could change renting in Bristol Bank Holiday train cancellations due to line closure Charlotte Charlotte said she saw videos of the trend on TikTok 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 Charlotte is worried her daughter's scars could be with her for the rest of her life 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.

What Experts Say

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. " Charlotte Charlotte said a government ban on children accessing social media could protect children from harmful material The government is currently consulting on an outright ban of children using social media.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.