Chromebook challenge on TikTok is currently going viral and raising severe safety concerns, especially for students who use a Chromebook on a daily basis. The Chromebook challenge is currently going viral among the youngsters because of TikTok, and it’s definitely not as harmless as a normal dance challenge. Firefighters have issued warnings against this challenge and suggest that the challenge can lead to severe safety risks for the entire school. If you are someone who wants to know more about the Chromebook challenge, understand what exactly it is, and how we can stop our youngsters from falling prey to this, this article is for you.
What Exactly Is The Chromebook Challenge?
The new challenge that is currently going viral on TikTok, called the Chromebook challenge, is nothing like other normal challenges and can lead to serious hazards. It urges the students to insert small objects like paper clips or leads into the USB ports or the charging ports. Some students were even seen piercing the batteries of their Chromebooks. This action might seem small, but it ultimately leads to a short circuit in the lithium-ion battery of the Chromebook. According to Andy Little from the Tulsa Fire Department, the challenge can cause fires or even release toxic gases. Andy mentioned how dangerous this challenge can turn out and how concerned they are about this.
District Schools Issue Warnings Against The Chromebook Challenge
The Chromebook challenge is so severe that the schools in districts like Jenks and Owasso have officially issued warnings against it. They have reportedly sent letters to the parents of the students warning them about the challenge and its severe consequences. They have issued a reminder to the families of the students that Chromebooks are the property of the schools. Parents will have to bear the cost of any damages caused to it because of their wards. Jordan Korphage from Owasso Public Schools stated that students in 6th to 12th grades take Chromebooks to their homes. Therefore, they can also participate in the challenge at their homes and cause severe safety hazards. This is why it was important for schools to inform families about the possible consequences of the challenge.
What Hazards Can The Chromebook TikTok Challenge Possibly Cause?
The main hazard that the Chromebook challenge going viral on TikTok can actually cause is the toxic gases that might be released. Even if there is no apparent external damage caused to the Chromebook, the lithium-ion batteries sometimes combust spontaneously. During this challenge, the students intentionally tamper with the batteries, which only increases the chances of combustion. Andy Little from the Tulsa Fire Department stated that these fires can spread fast and even release toxic gases. In the worst-case scenario, such fires may lead to evacuations and criminal charges. According to the reports, Tulsa has not yet reported any fires related to the challenge. However, the officials have been dealing with the same kind of battery fires. If the trend on TikTok continues, it may result in even serious consequences.
The Impact Of The Chromebook Challenge Across The Country
According to the reports, there have been various reports about some schools having to evacuate buildings after smoke detection from Chromebook batteries. Incidents like these are getting reported from all across the nation. The school leaders across the nation have mentioned that the best way to prevent students from indulging in such challenges is to educate them. Students, especially those who have access to social media apps like TikTok, must understand how dangerous this challenge could become. They have to understand the real dangers of this challenge and not just the consequences.
How To Prevent Your Child From Indulging in Such Dangerous Challenges?
As a parent, you need to sit and talk with your child about the challenge and make them understand how dangerous something like this can be. It is important for them to actually realise that not every challenge they see on the internet is worth participating in. The children must understand that any viral trend, either on TikTok or any other social media, that involves electronics or fire can lead to disasters. Parents must educate their children about the hazards of tampering with electronic devices instead of just warning or scolding them about not participating in the challenge. Punishments may prevent them from participating in it this time, but it won’t guarantee they won’t do so in the future as well unless they actually understand the dangers. They must understand that the Chromebook challenge is not just a prank or a fun experiment. It can actually result in fires, serious injuries, and even criminal injuries.
