TikTok Trend Has Students Forcing Items Into Chromebooks: Report

Written By Zoe Strothers and Amanda Callahan, WFSB 3 TV

CONNECTICUT — School and fire officials are warning parents of a dangerous TikTok trend where students force items like paper clips and pushpins into Chromebook devices to force an electrical short circuit.

Rocky Hill superintendent Mark Zito says he was informed by three neighboring school districts of the ongoing trend.

Last week, Newington High School had to be evacuated after a laptop fire.

The superintendent says they believe that fire was caused by this trend as a student tried to make a “how to” video.

According to the Rocky Hill Fire Chief, Cromwell High School evacuated today for the same issue.

“Today we received notice from three neighboring school districts about an ongoing TikTok trend influencing students to force electrical short circuits on Chromebook devices by inserting items such as paper clips, pencil graphite, pushpins, folded metallic gum wrappers, aluminum foil, etc. into the USB port. This action can spark or puncture the lithium battery in the device and poses a serious fire risk,” said Superintendent Zito.

>>>>Watch the WFSB 3 TV video segment on this story here.

A school in Derby was also forced to evacuate due to the trend.

The superintendent from Cromwell schools says that the exact cause is under investigation but believes that a few students took part in the trend.

Superintendent Zito says staff have been informed of the trend and are on the lookout for anyone inserting foreign devices into a Chromebook, forcibly removing keys from the keyboard, or in any other way tampering with a device.

He has also reached out to local police and fire departments.

“The moment I got the email my first concern was what if my daughter does the same thing and the Chromebook bursts into flames,” said Raja Lasma Has, a parent in Rocky Hill.

School officials say that participating in this trend could lead to charges of vandalism and arson.

Superintendent Zito says any student engaging in the trend will have criminal charges pursued and face significant consequences at school, including suspension or expulsion.

He is encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers and consequences of this trend.

“We definitely talk about it with her today, but we do with all of the TikTok trends. And I also monitor her social media pretty carefully,” said parent Kathleen Harding.

Bristol’s superintendent also sent out a pro active warning after hearing about the incidents at other schools.

Cromwell’s superintendent added that there will be consequences from both the school and police for the students responsible for Monday’s fire.

(Editor's note: This story first appeared on WFSB 3 TV and is being reposted on Patch.com with full permission. See more here.)