TikTok Chromebook Challenge Sparks Fires In Schools

A risky TikTok trend called the “Chromebook Challenge” is spreading across schools in the U.S., with students deliberately trying to set their school-issued laptops.

The challenge involves kids jamming everyday items—like pencils, paper clips, or gum wrappers—into Chromebook USB or charging ports to short-circuit the device. The result? Smoking laptops, and school evacuations.

https://www.tiktok.com/@…saturns_rings27/video/7501726822166514986?q=Chromebook%20challenge&t=1747011238656

NBC reports that fire officials say the short circuits can cause toxic smoke or fires, and lithium batteries inside the laptops could explode. In some areas, students have been hospitalized, as reported by Ars Technica.

In Plainville, Connecticut, one middle school student was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after a classmate “intentionally stuck scissors into a laptop,” said Superintendent Brian Reas, as reported by Ars Technica.

“Although the investigation is ongoing, the student involved will be referred to juvenile court to face criminal charges,” Reas added.

Axios reports that at least 30 such incidents have been reported in Denver Public Schools, according to spokesperson Scott Pribble. Reports “range from unsuccessful attempts to events which resulted in smoke, sparks or fire,” he said, as reported by Axios.

Nearby, Boulder Valley School District linked six fires to the trend, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department has responded to at least 16 incidents, as reported by Axios.

The problem isn’t limited to Colorado. Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland said it has had up to 10 reported cases. “In addition to posing serious safety hazards, these actions can lead to costly repairs and disciplinary consequences,” the district said, as reported by NBC.

Ars Technica reports that TikTok has now blocked searches for the term “Chromebook Challenge.” Users instead see a warning:

“Your safety matters
Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated.”

Despite TikTok’s action, officials warn the challenge continues to circulate on other platforms. Google, the maker of Chromebooks, has not commented publicly.