Viral Toy Trend Leaves Chicago Child With Serious Burns
Dangerous online challenges continue to put children at serious risk. In a recent case from Chicago, a 9-year-old boy suffered painful facial burns after trying a viral internet trick involving a sensory toy. The incident has sparked concern among doctors, parents, and educators about how quickly risky trends spread among children and why young minds struggle to judge danger.
This case shows how easily children can get hurt when curiosity and peer influence combine with unsafe online content.
What Happened in the Chicago Incident
Caleb Chabolla, 9, was at home in Chicago when he decided to try something a friend had suggested. The friend told him that heating his NeeDoh Nice Cube in the microwave would make the soft toy more flexible.
Caleb placed the cube inside the microwave and heated it. Moments later, he screamed in pain. His mother, Whitney Grubb, rushed into the kitchen after hearing him cry out, “It burns, it burns.”
The toy exploded when Caleb opened the microwave door.
The outer layer of the cube is made of non-toxic silicone. However, the inside contains a thick, glue-like material. When heated, this substance expands, bubbles, and eventually bursts. The hot contents splashed onto Caleb’s face and hands.
Extent of the Injuries
Doctors diagnosed Caleb with second degree burns on his face and hands. By the time he reached Loyola University Medical Centre, the damage had gone deep enough that doctors had to remove dead skin.
Fortunately, he did not require skin graft surgery. However, his doctors expect that he will likely have lasting scars.
Second-degree burns damage both the outer and deeper layers of the skin. These burns often cause severe pain, swelling, blistering, and, in some cases, permanent marks.
Why Children Fall for Dangerous Online Challenges
Health experts say children are especially vulnerable to dangerous online challenges for several reasons.
Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabam’s Hospitals, explains that children are still developing critical thinking skills. The part of the brain that controls judgment and risk assessment matures later in life. At the same time, the brain areas linked to excitement and social approval develop earlier.
As a result, children often act on impulse.
In addition, social media magnifies peer influence. When children see friends or popular creators trying something that looks fun or harmless, they assume it is safe. They focus more on attention, praise, and acceptance than on possible harm.
Moreover, viral trends often appear simple and entertaining. Children rarely see the behind-the-scenes risks. They see only short clips that make the activity look easy and safe.
How Parents Can Talk About Dangerous Online Challenges
Experts advise parents to stay calm and open when discussing dangerous online challenges with children.
Instead of banning social media outright or reacting with anger, parents should ask simple questions such as:
- What have you seen online lately
- Have you seen any challenges
- What do you think about them
These conversations encourage honesty. When children feel safe talking about what they watch, they are more likely to ask for help before trying something risky.
Parents should also explain dangers in clear and simple language. For example, they can explain that heating certain objects can cause them to explode or release harmful substances. Children need practical examples that relate to everyday life.
At the same time, adults should reassure children that curiosity is normal. However, experiments involving heat, chemicals, or tools always require adult supervision.
The Role of Schools and Social Media Platforms
Preventing injuries from dangerous online challenges requires shared responsibility.
Schools should teach digital literacy as part of regular education. Children need to understand that online content does not always show the full picture. Teachers can help students learn how to question what they see and recognise unsafe behaviour.
Technology platforms must also take stronger steps. Clear warnings, better moderation, and age-appropriate safety features can reduce the spread of harmful trends.
Relying only on parental controls is not enough. Children often access content through friends or shared devices.
Conclusion
This Chicago incident highlights the real danger behind online trends that seem harmless. Dangerous online challenges can cause lasting physical and emotional harm in seconds.
Parents, caregivers, and educators must work together to guide children through the digital world. Open conversations, clear safety education, and active supervision can reduce risk.
Children will always feel curious. With proper guidance, they can learn how to stay safe while exploring their world both online and offline.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 14 February 2026
- 09:00
