Overview

• The Toronto Catholic District School Board has notified families about a surge of TikTok-inspired challenges urging students to insert objects into electrical outlets and devices.
• The “paper clip challenge” and “Chromebook challenge” involve short-circuiting outlets or USB ports, actions that can produce sparks, fires and burn injuries.
• Regional fire departments such as Pembroke’s, together with the Ontario Association of Fire Educators and local police, have cautioned that device tampering may release toxic gases and endanger student safety.
• The “senior assassin challenge” prompts students to “eliminate” peers using water guns or replica projectiles on campus, raising additional safety concerns.
• Students caught participating face suspension and parents may be held responsible for repair costs and damage to school property.