Chromebook Challenge Sparks School Fires Across States

A dangerous TikTok trend known as the 'Chromebook Challenge' has led to incidents in multiple U.S. states, where students insert metal or conductive objects into school-issued laptop ports, causing sparks, smoke, and fires. School districts in San Diego, Charlotte, Massachusetts, and Long Beach have reported numerous cases, with San Diego incurring over $7,000 in damages and Massachusetts fire officials responding to at least 14 incidents in one week. In Long Beach, a 13-year-old student was arrested for arson after a Chromebook fire forced a school evacuation. Schools are responding by implementing stricter technology agreements, confiscating devices, and urging parents to discuss the dangers and legal consequences with their children. Fire officials have expressed heightened concern over the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries in the devices. TikTok has issued platform warnings about the hazards of participating in dangerous online trends.