Dubai Police has warned parents and children against a dangerous social media trend that involves heating slime in microwave ovens, following the spread of viral videos showing children and teenagers attempting the challenge.
The advisory comes as schools break for the summer, a period when children typically spend more time online and may be more likely to imitate risky viral content.
In a joint advisory, Dubai Police’s Child and Women Protection Department and the Cybercrime and e-Crime Prevention Department said heating slime in a microwave can trigger chemical reactions that may cause serious burn injuries.
Authorities explained that exposing slime to high temperatures can cause it to expand and release hot vapors and materials that may explode or splatter when removed from the microwave, posing a risk of burns to the face, hands, and other parts of the body.
Dubai Police also warned that the practice could damage microwave ovens and, in some cases, spark small fires due to improper use of the appliance.
The agency urged parents to actively guide their children, discourage them from copying dangerous online challenges, and closely monitor the content they consume on social media.
Parents were also advised to ensure children do not use electrical appliances, including microwave ovens, without adult supervision.
Dubai Police encouraged families to visit the e-Crime Hub awareness platform for educational resources on cybercrime prevention, online safety, and protection from harmful viral trends.
The police also called on families to promote home safety during the summer break and encourage children to spend their free time on safe and productive activities.