Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

TikTok's 'Chromebook Challenge' Causes Fires, Arrests, and Nationwide Alarm

Students across the U.S. are damaging school-issued laptops in a dangerous trend, prompting legal action, school evacuations, and platform moderation efforts.

Chromebooks lie out after being cleaned in preparation for the Sept. 8 start of school at Newfield Elementary School on August 31, 2020 in Stamford, Connecticut.
A concerning trend on TikTok encourages students to shove metal items into their laptops, causing them to overheat and in some cases, catch fire.
The Long Beach Unified School District building on April 5, 2023. (Nathaniel Percy, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Image

Overview

  • The 'Chromebook Challenge' involves students inserting metal objects into laptop charging ports, causing short circuits, fires, and toxic smoke.
  • Dozens of incidents have been reported nationwide, with students facing suspensions, fines, and juvenile criminal charges, including arson.
  • Fire marshals warn that tampering with lithium-ion batteries can trigger uncontrollable overheating and harmful fumes, posing serious safety risks.
  • TikTok has removed the challenge's hashtag and now directs users to safety resources, but some related videos remain accessible through alternate searches.
  • Schools and officials urge parents to monitor children's online activity and educate them about the dangers of viral social media trends.