SMRTR TechMay 8, 2025Interesting Engineering

Viral TikTok challenge sparks school fires as students destroy laptops for views

SMRTR summary

The #ChromebookChallenge TikTok trend is disrupting US schools as students short-circuit devices by inserting metal into USB ports, causing smoking laptops, evacuations, and fire department calls. This has led to classroom interruptions, property damage, and safety risks. Schools are responding with strict disciplinary actions, including suspensions and fines. Officials caution about the dangers of damaging lithium-ion batteries, which can release toxic fumes or explode.

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