Chromebook challenge
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The Chromebook Challenge is a 2025 TikTok trend where students intentionally insert conductive, often metallic, objects like paper clips and pencil lead into their school Chromebooks USB port.[1] Doing so would cause the Chromebook to short circuit and sometimes spark, smoke, or even catch on fire.[2][3] The challenge is typically meant to create a reason for a class to evacuate, thus making participants have to miss out on class, or simply get online attention.[4] "The F students are the inventors" is a popular phrase associated with the trend.
Dangers
[edit]Sticking foreign objects into a Chromebook can burn a lithium battery causing the Chromebook to catch on fire and release toxic smoke into the air.[5][1]
Responses
[edit]Prince George's County Public Schools, of whom had 10 reported incidents, put out a statement saying that the trend could pose a serious hazard, while also noting that they will "monitor" the trend.[6]
In May 2025, a 15-year-old teenager from Belleville High School was charged with third degree arson for participating in the trend. Staff members and students were evacuated after a staff member reportedly spotted a smoking computer.[7][8]
According to some TikTokers, kids who participate in the trend are sometimes lectured, fined, or suspended from school.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Faulk, Leanna (May 7, 2025). "Cumberland police warn parents about dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge'". NBC WJAR. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ Burke, Minyvonne Burke (May 9, 2025). "TikTok prank 'Chromebook Challenge' prompts warnings from schools after laptops are intentionally set on fire". NBC News. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ "Chromebook social media challenge can lead to fires, Maryland Fire Marshal warns". CBS News. May 11, 2025. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Canela, Annabelle (May 7, 2024). "The TikTok Trend That Has Kids Setting Their School Laptops On Fire During Class". Yahoo Lifestyle. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ Littlechild, Chris (May 8, 2025). "WHY ARE STUDENTS PUSHING PENCIL LEAD INTO CHROMEBOOKS?". Slashgear. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ Spencer, Darcy (May 8, 2025). "Chromebook challenge has school laptops smoking, catching fire". NBC Washington. NBC. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ Due, Lauren (May 9, 2025). "Police: Belleville High School student charged with arson following TikTok trend". News12. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
- ^ Alvarez, Alayna (May 9, 2025). "Colorado students are setting Chromebooks on fire thanks to TikTok trend". Axios. Retrieved May 13, 2025.