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TikTok Blocks 'Chromebook Challenge' as Schools Grapple with Fires and Legal Fallout

The viral trend has led to classroom evacuations, student hospitalizations, and criminal charges, prompting schools and fire officials to issue urgent warnings.

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The image is a split-screen composite. On the left side, a school classroom scene shows a Chromebook placed on a desk emitting thick white smoke, with a student standing nearby—suggesting an ongoing battery fire. On the right side, a close-up of a smartphone screen displays the TikTok app with 99 notifications, referencing the viral nature of the trend behind the incident. Together, the image captures the real-world dangers of a destructive social media challenge spreading through TikTok.
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Overview

  • The #ChromebookChallenge encourages students to insert metal objects into Chromebook ports, causing short circuits, fires, and toxic smoke.
  • Incidents have been reported nationwide, with schools in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Colorado experiencing evacuations and property damage.
  • Students caught participating face disciplinary actions, device replacement fees, and potential criminal charges, including arson and vandalism.
  • Fire marshals warn that lithium-ion battery fires produce hazardous fumes, pose explosion risks, and strain emergency response resources.
  • TikTok has blocked the term and is removing related content, while schools urge parents to discuss the dangers of online challenges with their children.