Another viral challenge is trending on TikTok, and it intentionally encourages students to destroy school property. The Challenge, which initially started in early May, involves students sticking small objects, such as paper clips or pencils, inside their Chromebook’s USB port.
This trend, like many others that have emerged on social media platforms, is gaining traction rapidly among teenagers, who are often influenced by peer behavior and online content. The students are copying this in the intention of creating a small cloud of smoke or a spark from the computer. While the video results may seem amusing or harmless to some viewers, the underlying risks are significant and potentially life-threatening.
The Chromebook challenge is a very dangerous trend that can cause the laptop to short-circuit, generating heat, sparks, and smoke. Placing items like paperclips inside a Chromebook’s USB port becomes a pathway for electricity to travel outside of its intended path. School districts are now issuing warnings, and some are implementing strict monitoring policies for device usage to prevent further incidents.
On May 8, a 15-year-old high school student was arrested and charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief for intentionally manipulating his Chromebook as part of the challenge. The laptop, left outside, emitted smoke and was charred when police and firefighters arrived. The incident raised concerns among school administrators and parents, prompting increased vigilance and parents and education about the dangers of such actions.
