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5d ago

TikTok's 'Chromebook Challenge' Continues to Endanger U.S. Schools

Students face fires, toxic smoke, and legal consequences as schools and TikTok ramp up efforts to combat the viral trend.

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)
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Overview

  • The TikTok-driven 'Chromebook Challenge' involves students inserting metallic objects into Chromebook ports, causing short circuits, fires, and toxic smoke.
  • The trend has led to incidents in over a dozen states, including evacuations, injuries, and property damage in schools nationwide.
  • Participating students face disciplinary actions, including suspensions, and in some cases, criminal charges such as arson and vandalism.
  • TikTok has blocked related search terms, redirected users to safety warnings, and removed some videos, though similar content continues to circulate.
  • Schools and fire officials are urging parents to educate children on the dangers, while families may be held financially responsible for damages.