In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful influence in the lives of children and teenagers. One of the most popular trends gaining traction among young users is the participation in social media “challenges.” These challenges, often shared on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, can range from fun, innocent, dance routines to something more nefarious like risky stunts. While some challenges promote creativity and a sense of community, others can pose serious dangers or encourage inappropriate behavior.
Abington Township Fire Marshal Chris Platz recently put out a memo outlining one of these dangerous “challenges” that is making its way through schools throughout the country.
“We are reaching out to inform you of a concerning trend that has been identified in schools across the country and may be affecting our community, Platz said.
Known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” this latest trend encourages students to tamper with school-issued Chromebooks, often by inserting metal objects (such as paperclips or staples) into the charging port or USB slots in an attempt to create sparks or short circuits. This can cause a serious fire risk, as well as potentially producing toxic and flammable vapors.
“In some documented cases, this challenge has resulted in the ignition of lithium-ion batteries, triggering fire alarms, damaging classrooms, and creating hazardous conditions requiring emergency response. This can cause a serious fire risk, as well as potentially producing toxic and flammable vapors,” Platz said.
This activity poses serious fire and safety risks, including:
If an incident involving one of these devices does occur, Platz is advising to follow proper emergency procedures. Stay away from the device, do not try to move it. If safe to do so, remove from its power source if plugged into an outlet. Follow proper emergency procedures in accordance with your school policies.
The Fire Marshal is strongly urging school administrators to take the following proactive measures:
1. Issue a school-wide communication to students and parents outlining the dangers of this challenge.
2. Review Chromebook usage policies and ensure devices are regularly inspected for tampering.
3. Work with IT and custodial staff to report and document damaged devices immediately.
4. Engage school counselors or SROs to discuss peer pressure and online challenge risks during assemblies or in-class sessions.
5. Encourage reporting of observed or suspected tampering with devices.
Platz reiterated that if a device is tampered with and smoke/sparks are created, please notify the fire department immediately by calling 911. These hazards are not only present at the time of tampering but can exist for an extended period of time afterwards.
“By following proper hazard mitigation procedures, we can ensure all students, teachers, and families are safe,” Platz said.
