Students trigger evacuations with 'Chromebook Challenge'

Schools across the U.S. are dealing with a dangerous trend that has resulted in classroom evacuations, destroyed equipment, and criminal charges against students. 

The "Chromebook Challenge," which spread on social media platform TikTok, involves students deliberately causing short circuits in school-issued laptops by inserting metal objects into charging ports.

The challenge has prompted numerous school districts to issue warnings as incidents emerge from coast to coast. In Long Beach, a 13-year-old student was arrested on arson charges after participating in the trend at Perry Lindsey Academy, according to Long Beach Police Department spokesperson Alyssa Baeza.

"Recent cases have triggered fire alarms and led to classroom evacuations, putting our school communities at risk and disrupting learning," the Long Beach Unified School District said in an email to parents. The district reported incidents occurring at "a few of our schools," though exact numbers were not disclosed.

When students insert metal objects such as paper clips, pins, or pencils into the USB ports of Chromebooks, the devices short-circuit, producing smoke and occasionally flames. Education and law enforcement officials have expressed concern about the potential for explosions due to the laptops' lithium-ion batteries.

In Colorado, Denver Public Schools reported more than 30 incidents of tampered Chromebooks, while the Colorado Springs Fire Department documented at least 16 cases. Schools in Connecticut evacuated buildings after fires resulted from the challenge.

Maryland's Prince George's County Public Schools confirmed up to 10 reports of incidents. "In addition to posing serious safety hazards, these actions can lead to costly repairs and disciplinary consequences," the district said in a statement.

In New Jersey, a 15-year-old Belleville High School student faces third-degree arson and criminal mischief charges after allegedly setting a Chromebook on fire, according to NJ.com. The incident forced an evacuation of the entire school.

Arizona schools have also experienced disruptions. Bullhead City Middle School was evacuated after a smoking Chromebook damaged both the device and the desk where it sat. 

"The classroom where it happened could not be used for several hours because of the smell of burned metal and plastic," the Bullhead City School District reported on Facebook.

School administrators nationwide are holding students and their families accountable for their destructive behavior. In Oklahoma, Mid-Del Schools informed families they would be responsible for the $274 replacement cost of each damaged Chromebook. Alexandria City Public Schools in Virginia implemented similar measures, imposing a $304 fine representing the full replacement cost.

Some districts are considering more severe consequences. The Jefferson-Morgan School District in Pennsylvania warned participating students could face "disciplinary action to the fullest extent outlined in our student handbook," potentially including expulsion.

As schools implement heightened vigilance around technology use, many are asking parents to partner in prevention efforts. "We ask for your support in talking with your child about the dangers of these types of social media challenges and the importance of using school technology responsibly," the Jefferson-Morgan School District urged in its communication to families.

Law enforcement officials have joined educators in urging parents to address the trend with their children. "We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts," Maryland's acting state Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray said.

Meanwhile, TikTok has taken steps to address the spread of the challenge, redirecting searches for "Chromebook Challenge" to warnings about harmful challenges. The platform stated it removes content promoting dangerous behavior, though videos related to the challenge continue to appear.