School districts and law enforcement agencies are warning families about a dangerous TikTok trend where students purposely damage school-issued laptops.
The trend, known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” involves students jamming objects into the USB port of the laptop, causing them to short-circuit or even catch fire, NBC News reports. Some incidents have led to charges being filed and schools being evacuated.
In New Jersey, a 15-year-old Belleville High School student was charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief after allegedly setting a laptop on fire, forcing an evacuation of the school, according to NJ.com. In Bullhead City, Ariz., six Chromebooks were vandalized at Fox Creek Junior High School. The students involved face possible disciplinary and criminal charges.
Bullhead City Middle School was also briefly evacuated last week after a Chromebook started burning during class. The desk it was on was also heavily damaged. The district wrote in a Facebook post that fire and police collected evidence that indicates the incident was connected to the TikTok challenge.
Maryland School Districts, Fire Marshal Warn of TikTok Chromebook Challenge
Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland said they have received up to 10 reports of incidents.
“We have seen a few incidents related to the Chromebook challenge in our district,” the district wrote in a statement. “In addition to posing serious safety hazards, these actions can lead to costly repairs and disciplinary consequences.”
Baltimore County Public Schools recently alerted families and the community about the hazardous challenge, Fox reports. Officials are urging parents and guardians to speak to their children about the dangers.
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“BCPS takes this matter very seriously as it could impact the safety of our students, staff, and facilities,” the district wrote in a message to families. “Intentional damage to school-issued Chromebooks is a direct violation of Board Policy 6202, which outlines acceptable technology use for students.”
District officials said they would pursue full restitution for damaged equipment and that legal consequences could apply.
Also in Maryland, acting state fire Marshal Jason Mowbray issued a statement about the challenge.
“We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts,” he wrote. “It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices.”
Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Texas, Kentucky School Districts Issue TikTok Chromebook Challenge Warnings
Other schools are also trying to get ahead of the trend. Jefferson-Morgan School District in Pennsylvania has not had any incidents but warned that students who participate will face disciplinary action “to the fullest extent outlined in our student handbook,” which could include expulsion.
“We ask for your support in talking with your child about the dangers of these types of social media challenges and the importance of using school technology responsibly,” the district wrote in a Facebook post Thursday.
In Oklahoma, Mid-Del Schools warned that the families of any students who participate in the challenge would be responsible for the $274 it costs to replace a Chromebook. Students could also face “serious disciplinary consequences,” the district wrote in a letter sent to the school community Thursday.
In Texas, Hardin Junior High School urged families in a Facebook post to speak to their children about the dangers and costs.
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“There are heavy consequences for any student attempting this,” the post said. “Families will incur costs for damages. The district can also seek possible legal action.”
In Kentucky, Oldham, Hardin and Bullitt County schools sent letters informing families of the trend, according to WDRB.
“This activity poses serious risks, including the potential for damaging fires, as has been reported in other parts of the country,” wrote Oldham County Schools.
“Please speak with your child about the importance of making safe, responsible decisions both online and offline,” said Bullitt County Schools Superintendent Jesse Bacon. “Help them understand that just because something circulates on social media does not make it safe, smart, or worth the risk.”
