The “Chromebook Challenge” has resulted in device fires, school evacuations, and hefty replacement costs for families and schools nationwide.
BELTON, Texas — School districts nationwide are sounding the alarm about a dangerous new social media trend that has caused school evacuations and leaves parents with hefty replacement bills.
The viral “Chromebook Challenge” encourages students to intentionally damage school-issued laptops by inserting pencils, paperclips, and other objects into charging ports. This causes electrical shorts that can lead to sparks, smoke, and even flames.
Last week, Newington High School in Connecticut was evacuated when one such incident triggered fire alarms, disrupting classes and putting hundreds of students at risk.
“We monitor these trends through various channels – constant communication with district administrators, our staff, and other social media channels,” said Chad McGahey, Chief Technology Officer at Belton ISD. “These trends are usually taken too far when there’s harm to the student or damage to district property.”
School officials emphasize that these aren’t just expensive gadgets—they are critical educational tools many families cannot afford.
“Individual computers are essential for enabling students to have personalized learning and also giving them access to digital resources as well as helping them learn digital literacy skills,” McGahey explained.
The financial consequences of participating in this trend are substantial. When Chromebooks are damaged beyond repair, which is almost certain with this challenge, the full replacement cost falls directly on families.
“In Belton ISD, a total device loss, which this trend would likely incur, would be a $300 replacement cost. And if a student intentionally damages district property, it would be a $300 fine per district policy,” McGahey said.
Beyond the financial impact, school and fire safety officials are concerned about the physical dangers posed by the challenge.
When damaged, lithium-ion batteries, which power most Chromebooks, can reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially causing severe burns or triggering larger fires.
Districts nationwide send urgent notifications to parents, warning them about the challenge and reminding families about the technology usage agreements signed at the beginning of the school year.
Parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s social media activities and to emphasize the real-world consequences of social media challenges that involve property damage or safety risks.