Dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge' TikTok trend sends warning signs across schools nationwide
A dangerous new 'Chromebook Challenge' on TikTok is sounding alarms across US schools.
TikTok is booming with millions of users creating and following viral trends, though some are definitely grosser than others.
But now, one careless trend that has laptops being destroyed and fires being started is causing chaos in schools across the US.
Nicknamed the 'Chromebook Challenge,' the social media trend has children inserting objects like paperclips and pencil leads into the charging and USB ports of laptops.
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What was probably advertised to be a harmless prank has spiralled into a serious issue in several US schools, causing property damage and safety risks.
Some schools have reported fires sparking and even school evacuations.
Schools in multiple states are now on high alert, warning parents and students of the risks.
"In the past three days alone, the [Exeter Region Cooperative School District] has seen at least 15 incidents where students have intentionally inserted conductive objects -- such as lead from mechanical pencils, paperclips or push pins -- into the charging and/or usb ports of their Chromebooks," one district stated in a letter to parents, according to the Exeter Region Cooperative School District. "This has resulted in devices overheating and becoming completely unusable. This action voids the warranties on devices."
School officials warned that participating in the trends puts lives at risk and that anyone caught attempting it could face financial penalties. "This is not only a matter of property damage -- these actions present a serious toxic smoke and fire hazard, both at school and at home," the letter continued.
In a Good Morning America report, Captain Chase Hamilton from Belleville’s Fire Department explained that tampering with lithium-ion batteries can trigger a dangerous condition known as thermal runaway. This is where batteries start to fail, overheat, explode, catch fire or release toxic fumes.
"Any kind of smoke is really no good for you. But, this specific kind of thing is definitely not something that you want to be breathing in," Hamilton added.
In Belleville High School, New Jersey, one student tried the challenge, causing a Chromebook’s lithium-ion battery to swell and start smoking in class. While there were no injuries, Hamilton hoped the event would still serve as a warning for students and parents.
He stated: "We're talking about something that could seriously injure people. These batteries can be extremely unsafe when mistreated […] someone very easily could get hurt."
According to ABC News, TikTok has since removed content related to the trend and now redirects searches for 'Chromebook Challenge' to a safety warning about dangerous challenges.