TikTok Chromebook Fire Challenge Triggers School Evacuations Across US

A dangerous TikTok trend known as the "Chromebook Challenge" has caused multiple school laptop fires and evacuations across the United States. Students intentionally insert metal objects like paper clips and pins into Chromebook charging ports, short-circuiting the devices and sometimes causing them to catch fire, resulting in smoke-filled classrooms and emergency responses. Incidents have been reported in schools in Michigan, California, Connecticut, and New Jersey, leading to arrests and arson charges in some cases. School officials and fire marshals warn that these actions are highly hazardous, as lithium-ion battery fires can produce toxic fumes and pose explosion risks. Districts and law enforcement urge parents to warn children about the dangers of participating in such viral social media challenges, emphasizing the potential for serious disciplinary and legal consequences. TikTok has attempted to mitigate harm by redirecting searches for the challenge to safety information about harmful online challenges.