Overview

• Multiple Connecticut high schools, including Newington, Derby, and Cromwell, were evacuated after students caused Chromebook fires as part of a TikTok challenge.
• The challenge involves inserting conductive items like pencil graphite or aluminum foil into Chromebook ports, leading to short circuits, fires, and toxic smoke.
• School officials and fire marshals have warned of serious risks, including explosions, injuries, and environmental hazards from damaged lithium batteries.
• Students participating in the trend face potential criminal charges, such as vandalism or arson, alongside school disciplinary actions like suspension or expulsion.
• Parents are urged to discuss the dangers of viral social media trends with their children and to use TikTok’s family monitoring features to limit exposure.