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1h ago

TikTok’s #ChromebookChallenge Trend Triggers Fires, Evacuations, and Safety Warnings

Schools nationwide report incidents of students damaging Chromebooks in a viral stunt, prompting disciplinary actions, parental alerts, and TikTok intervention.

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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Connecticut has emerged as a hotspot for these incidents.

Overview

  • The #ChromebookChallenge encourages students to insert metal objects into Chromebook ports, causing short circuits, fires, and toxic smoke.
  • Multiple schools in states like Connecticut and California have been evacuated due to smoking or burning laptops caused by this trend.
  • A Plainville, Connecticut, middle school student was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and faces juvenile court charges for participating in the challenge.
  • Fire officials warn that lithium-ion battery fires from tampered Chromebooks can explode, emit hazardous fumes, and strain emergency resources.
  • TikTok has removed related videos and blocked the hashtag, while schools are disciplining students and urging parents to discuss the risks with their children.