Authorities and school officials are sounding the alarm over a dangerous viral trend sweeping through U.S. schools, where students intentionally sabotage their laptops—often school-issued Google Chromebooks—by inserting conductive objects like pencils, scissors, or metal into charging ports. This reckless act, dubbed the “Chromebook Challenge,” causes short circuits, sparks, and even fires, putting students at risk of injury, criminal charges, and costly property damage.
The trend, amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, has already led to multiple incidents, including evacuations, disciplinary actions, and even felony charges. In one case at Wilson C. Riles Middle School in California, a student’s attempt resulted in smoke filling the classroom. “I was two rooms away from the room with the challenge. I heard screaming,” said 12-year-old Tristan Peeples, a witness to the incident. Fortunately, a teacher intervened with a fire extinguisher before flames could erupt. Scott Loehr, superintendent of the Center Joint Unified School District, emphasized the severity of the trend, stating, “This is dangerous. It could be more threatening than people think. You see this harmless challenge, you think, ‘On TikTok?’ It’s not harmless.”
Maryland’s State Fire Marshal has also documented multiple cases, warning that lithium-ion batteries in these devices can overheat and ignite, leading to “thermal runaway”—a rapid, uncontrollable temperature increase. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a 15-year-old faces felony arson and vandalism charges after a Chromebook fire scorched part of a classroom floor. Elyria Police Chief Jim Welsh condemned the behavior as “not only reckless but criminal.”
Even students recognize the absurdity of the trend. Serena Peeples, Tristan’s sister, told reporters, “I heard that people in my school were going around and putting lead into their laptops. I was like, ‘OK, well, that’s stupid.’” Yet, the allure of social media clout continues to drive participation.
Parents and educators are urged to monitor students’ online activity and reinforce the dangers of such challenges. TikTok has since restricted search results for “Chromebook Challenge,” redirecting users to safety warnings instead. As Loehr stressed, “It’s not all fun and games. It is a very serious thing that could cause some very significant damage or injury.”
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
