A disturbing new trend among students, fueled by TikTok, has prompted school districts across the United States to issue warnings to parents.
The so-called Chromebook Challenge sees students deliberately damaging their school-issued Chromebooks. They do this by inserting foreign objects, such as paper clips, pins, scissors, and even staples, into the laptop’s ports. The aim? To create dramatic effects like smoke or even fires for online clout.
Several incidents have already been reported, where students’ actions have led to the smoking or catching fire of Chromebooks. These dangerous stunts have had serious consequences. They caused classroom evacuations, class cancellations, and even required first responders.
One incident, in Plainville, Connecticut, involved a student using scissors to short-circuit a Chromebook, resulting in smoke inhalation for one individual and legal consequences for the student involved.
The damage is not limited to the potential for fire or smoke. The misuse of these devices is a serious risk, especially given that many Chromebooks are equipped with lithium batteries that can explode when damaged.
As the trend gained attention, TikTok swiftly intervened by banning the search term “Chromebook Challenge.” Users searching for the term are now greeted with a warning message urging them to recognise harmful challenges and make informed decisions for their safety.
The message reads: “Your safety matters. Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated. Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being.”
However, despite TikTok’s actions, similar dangerous challenges have surfaced before. These include the Kia Challenge, encouraging car thefts, and the Blackout Challenge, where individuals risked their lives by strangling themselves to unconsciousness.
The growing trend has sparked concern among educators and school officials. School districts in states like Colorado, New Jersey, North Carolina, as well as Washington are raising alarms. They’ve sent letters to parents warning about the challenge’s destructive impact.
Schools have stated that students caught engaging in these activities could face disciplinary actions, and in some states, legal consequences.
Also, in the case of the incident in Plainville, the student involved will be referred to juvenile court and could face criminal charges.
This isn’t the first viral challenge to have deadly consequences. Past trends like the Kia Challenge, Blackout Challenge, and Penny or Outlet Challenge have all raised alarms. Moreover, these internet fads highlight the dangers associated with such challenges.
The harmful effects are not limited to just physical injury but can lead to widespread panic and disruption in schools.
Parents, educators, and mental health experts are grappling with the rise of these dangerous challenges. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis recently published research addressing the psychological implications of children participating in risky online trends.
TikTok’s role in amplifying these trends has led to growing concerns about the platform’s influence on children. Experts are now calling for more regulation as well as oversight.
The trend highlights the urgent need for parents and schools to stay alert to harmful viral challenges. It also raises questions about how social media platforms can better monitor and prevent the spread of such hazardous behaviors.