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Chromebook challenge

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A Chromebook, this type is used for the challenge

The Chromebook Challenge (also known as the Chromebook Durability Test or the Chromebook Annihilation Combo) is a 2025 TikTok trend where students intentionally insert conductive, often metallic, objects like paper clips, pencil lead, and foreign objects into their school Chromebooks USB port.[1] Doing so would cause the Chromebook to short circuit and sometimes spark, smoke, or even catch on fire.[2][3] The challenge is typically meant to create a reason for a class to evacuate, thus making participants have to miss out on class, or simply get online attention.[4] The meme usually includes phrases such as "low gpa activities" and "anything but work". "The F students are the inventors" is a popular phrase associated with the trend. The meme, most popular in the US, has garnered attention nationwide, leading to many responses from schools and districts as a way to combat the trend.

As of May 16th, 2025, 14 incidents have been reported in the state of Massachusetts alone.[5][a] Over 200 incidents have been recorded in Colorado. [6] The trend has even lead to some people getting arrested or hospitalized.

Dangers

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Sticking foreign objects into a Chromebook can burn a lithium battery, causing the Chromebook to catch on fire and release toxic smoke like hydrogen fluoride into the air.[7][1][6]

Responses

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Prince George's County Public Schools, of whom had 10 incidents regarding the challenge happen in their schools, put out a statement saying that the trend could pose a serious hazard, while also noting that they will "monitor" the trend.[8]

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control would work with multiple schools in order to raise awareness about the trend, saying it could lead to "Unexpected and harmful consequences".[6]

TikTok even stepped in by blocking search results for the #ChromebookChallenge.[9] If searched for, a prompt stating "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated".[10] In May 2025, a 15-year-old teenager from Belleville High School was charged with third degree arson and criminal mischief for participating in the trend. Staff members and students were evacuated after a staff member reportedly spotted a smoking and charred computer.[11][12][13]

According to some TikTokers and news organizations, kids who participate in the trend are sometimes lectured, fined, or suspended from school.[4][13] 3 people at a Providence middle school, of whom were two students and one teacher, were hospitalized after one person stuck lead into their Chromebook, causing them to be hospitalized for worries of smoke inhalation. Principal Ashley Ferranti noted that the trend was "concerning behavior" and urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers of the challenge.[14]

Reported Incidents and Actions by State
State Reported Incidents / Actions
California Multiple school Chromebook fires/smoke (e.g. Long Beach arson, Roseville fire); districts warned parents.[15] One arson arrest.[16] 4 incidents in Murietta, other Inland schools alerted.[17]
Colorado Denver: 30+ attempts (DPS); Colorado Springs: 16 incidents; Boulder: 6 fires.[12] 200 attempts in total. [6]
Connecticut 4 schools evacuated after laptop fires (Newington, Cromwell, Derby, Southington); 1 student hospitalized and charged.[18]
Florida Mt. Dora Middle School evacuated; Lake & Osceola County schools warned parents of expulsion/charges.[19]
Georgia At least 3 schools evacuated; 1 student hospitalized.[20]
Maryland ~10 incidents (Prince George’s County); parents warned of costs and discipline.[21]
Minnesota No reported injuries; Osseo Schools warned families (pay for damage); state fire marshal warned of toxic fumes.[22]
New Jersey 1 school fire (Belleville HS, charred Chromebook) with arson arrest; many districts sent warnings.[11]
New York East Fishkill alerted police (incident reported in CT context); Medford (NJ) and other districts warned.[23] Two school fires.[24]
Pennsylvania Schools (e.g. Wallingford-PA) warned parents; no local incidents yet.[25]
Rhode Island Providence PD warned criminal charges possible; no local school fires reported.[26]
Texas Hays CISD: 5 Chromebooks destroyed across 3 campuses; superintendent warned of repair bills.[27]
Virginia Loudoun Co. reported many device repairs (no injuries); school letters to parents.[28]
Wisconsin Oconto (WI) warned families of fire risk; no incidents reported.[29] Ditto with Kenosha Unified School District.[30]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ There are possibly more incidents of the challenge that haven't been reported yet.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b Faulk, Leanna (May 7, 2025). "Cumberland police warn parents about dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge'". NBC WJAR. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  2. ^ Burke, Minyvonne Burke (May 9, 2025). "TikTok prank 'Chromebook Challenge' prompts warnings from schools after laptops are intentionally set on fire". NBC News. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  3. ^ "Chromebook social media challenge can lead to fires, Maryland Fire Marshal warns". CBS News. May 11, 2025. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  4. ^ a b Canela, Annabelle (May 7, 2024). "The TikTok Trend That Has Kids Setting Their School Laptops On Fire During Class". Yahoo Lifestyle. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  5. ^ a b Riley, Neal (May 15, 2025). ""Chromebook challenge" warning issued after more than a dozen incidents in Massachusetts schools". CBS News. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d Williams, Brooke (May 17, 2025). "Fire officials warn about danger after over 200 'Chromebook challenge' incidents in Colorado". Yahoo News. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  7. ^ Littlechild, Chris (May 8, 2025). "WHY ARE STUDENTS PUSHING PENCIL LEAD INTO CHROMEBOOKS?". Slashgear. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  8. ^ Spencer, Darcy (May 8, 2025). "Chromebook challenge has school laptops smoking, catching fire". NBC Washington. NBC. Archived from the original on May 17, 2025. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
  9. ^ Garcia, Karen (May 12, 2025). "Long Beach student arrested on suspicion of arson, participating in viral 'Chromebook challenge'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  10. ^ Notopoulos, Katie (May 16, 2025). "Please, kids: Do not set your Chromebook on fire". Business Insider. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Due, Lauren (May 9, 2025). "Police: Belleville High School student charged with arson following TikTok trend". News12. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  12. ^ a b Alvarez, Alayna (May 9, 2025). "Colorado students are setting Chromebooks on fire thanks to TikTok trend". Axios. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
  13. ^ a b Cross, Greta (May 20, 2025). "What is the Chromebook Challenge? The trend that has students destroying school laptops". USA TODAY. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
  14. ^ Flower, Jusolyn (May 20, 2025). "Alleged TikTok trend sends 2 students, teacher to hospital". NewsNation. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
  15. ^ "Ventura County school district warns about 'dangerous' TikTok Chromebook challenge". FOX 11 Los Angeles. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  16. ^ "Long Beach student arrested on suspicion of arson, participating in viral 'Chromebook challenge'". Los Angeles Times.
  17. ^ "TikTok 'Chromebook Challenge' sparks warnings in Inland Empire schools".
  18. ^ "Dangerous TikTok trend has students forcing paper clips, pushpins into Chromebook devices". WFSB. May 5, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  19. ^ "TikTok Chromebook Challenge sparks Florida school warnings". FOX 35 Orlando. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  20. ^ "Dangerous TikTok Trend Involving Chromebooks". Barrow County School System. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  21. ^ "TikTok's 'Chromebook Challenge' Sparks School Laptop Fires In US, Prompting Safety Concerns". NDTV.com. May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  22. ^ "Viral TikTok "Chromebook Challenge" has metro school district warning parents". CBS Minnesota. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  23. ^ "Dangerous viral trend has students setting laptops on fire, prompting school evacuations". Hindustan Times. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  24. ^ "Colonie, NY, Firefighters Handle Two 'Chromebook Challenge' Fires in Two Days".
  25. ^ "What is Chromebook Challenge? Schools alerting parents to dangerous TikTok trend". FOX 29 Philadelphia. May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  26. ^ "Dangerous viral trend has students setting laptops on fire, prompting school evacuations". Hindustan Times. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  27. ^ "Hays CISD Chromebooks damaged due to TikTok challenge". CBS Austin. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  28. ^ "TikTok's 'Chromebook Challenge' Sparks School Laptop Fires In US, Prompting Safety Concerns". NDTV.com. May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  29. ^ "Oconto School District officials warning families about dangerous 'Chromebook Challenge'". FOX 11. May 9, 2025. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  30. ^ "KUSD Warns Parents About TikTok Challenge Encouraging Chromebook Destruction".
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