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15h ago

TikTok’s ‘Chromebook Challenge’ Spurs Fires, Evacuations, and Legal Actions Nationwide

Students are short-circuiting school-issued Chromebooks for viral clout, leading to safety hazards, costly damages, and disciplinary measures as schools and authorities respond urgently.

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The image is a split-screen composite. On the left side, a school classroom scene shows a Chromebook placed on a desk emitting thick white smoke, with a student standing nearby—suggesting an ongoing battery fire. On the right side, a close-up of a smartphone screen displays the TikTok app with 99 notifications, referencing the viral nature of the trend behind the incident. Together, the image captures the real-world dangers of a destructive social media challenge spreading through TikTok.
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Overview

  • The viral TikTok trend involves students inserting metal objects into Chromebook USB ports, causing short circuits, smoke, and fires.
  • Incidents have led to school evacuations, property damage, and at least one student hospitalized for smoke inhalation in Connecticut.
  • School districts across multiple states, including California, Texas, and Maryland, are issuing warnings and holding families financially responsible for repairs.
  • Students caught participating face disciplinary actions, juvenile court referrals, and, in some cases, arson charges.
  • TikTok has removed related content and blocked terms linked to the challenge, but the trend continues to spread across schools.