Families warned of dangerous TikTok trend
School districts across the country are warning students and families about the dangers of a viral TikTok trend, prompting laptops to catch on fire, which has made its way to local schools.
What’s been nicknamed the “Chromebook Challenge” instructs and encourages students to jam metal or graphite objects into their school-issued Chromebook computers in a way that causes the lithium batteries to smoke, catch fire and even explode. That’s according to a press release issued by Gilmer County Schools.
“The results of this activity are extremely dangerous to both the health and safety of students,” it stated. “Aside from the immediate risk of fire and noxious smoke, these alterations can cause the lithium batteries to smolder for hours before ignition at home or in vehicles.”
Last week, three Gilmer High students were disciplined for destroying a Chromebook in the classroom, GCSS Superintendent Dr. Brian Ridley said. No injuries were reported. A couple attempts have occurred at Clear Creek Middle School, but they didn’t result in the laptop smoking.
“There’s nothing wrong with the Chromebook, you have to purposely damage them in a very specific way to make this happen, so it’s not like it’s accidental,” Ridley added. “They’re doing it on purpose, and we want to discourage that kind of behavior.”
GCSS is notifying families that this dangerous, destructive vandalism will result in disciplinary action for students involved. Consequences could range from suspension to permanent expulsion, the district noted.
Parents will also be expected to pay for all damages, where a Chromebook alone can cost a couple hundred dollars. Charges ranging from misdemeanor disruption to felony arson will be filed with law enforcement as well.
The district is encouraging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers and consequences of participating in this trend.
The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office echoed GCSS’s concerns over this crime in a Facebook post writing, “You break it, you bought it. You burn it, you’re booked.”