Social Media Trend Sparks Laptop Fires, School Evacuations Across US

A dangerous TikTok trend known as the #ChromebookChallenge has led students across multiple states, including Connecticut, California, and Colorado, to intentionally short-circuit their school-issued Chromebooks by inserting metal objects into charging ports, causing fires and toxic smoke. This alarming behavior has forced numerous school evacuations, strained emergency response resources, and resulted in warnings from school officials about the health risks and legal consequences, including potential criminal prosecution and financial liability for damaged equipment. Videos showing how to perform these stunts remain accessible on social media platforms despite efforts to remove them. School districts, such as Boulder Valley and Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Colorado, have sent communications urging families to discuss the serious dangers of this trend and encourage responsible social media use. Authorities emphasize the toxic nature of the smoke produced by burning lithium batteries and stress the importance of preventing further incidents as the school year nears its end. The trend reflects a troubling shift from traditional pranks to hazardous acts that jeopardize student safety and school property.