'Chromebook Challenge' sets laptops on fire
TikTok prank 'Chromebook Challenge' prompts warnings from schools after laptops are intentionally set on fire
Good golly
Just when I think I’ve seen it all!
I thought that USB-C ports were smart enough not to turn on power until they found a valid load. But apparently poking a paperclip or other sharp objects into a USB port can create a short circuit that could overload the internal battery and create a meltdown with a possible fire. And I’m not sure if this problem involves ALL computers with USB ports, or only Chromebook laptops.
In any event, be sure to warn your kids and grandkids not to poke anything into the ports on your (or their) laptops, desktop computers, tablets or phones. Doing so could create a fire that might destroy your RV or bricks and sticks home.
Read the full story HERE
Another dangerous TikTok challenge has prompted urgent warnings from school districts and law enforcement agencies in multiple states, and led to arson charges brought against a 15-year-old student in New Jersey.
The challenge, known as the "Chromebook Challenge," involves teens jamming objects like paper clips and pencils into the USB port of the laptop, causing them to short-circuit and, in some cases, catch fire.
Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland said they have received up to 10 reports of incidents, according to NBC Washington.
"In addition to posing serious safety hazards, these actions can lead to costly repairs and disciplinary consequences," the district said in a statement. "We have seen a few incidents related to the Chromebook challenge in our district."
The district said it has "informed our community about the risks."
Other school districts have issued similar warnings.
Let’s play safe out there… Mike
This reminds me of the many videos I've seen of kids juggling their cellphones or tablets and accidentally dropping them off a bridge or a building. Evidence of the type of things that can happen with unsupervised, incomplete forebrains. The juvenile version of "Hold my beer"?
This is pretty scary and shocking. A Lithium battery fire in a school would be a bad thing and I wonder if school teachers and staff are trained to handle it properly. I also wonder how bad one of these fires could get. I guess they would call the fire department and they would have the training to respond. Mike, would you could consider make a training video for schools to use, or at least offer to advice to a local school in your area who could make and circulate such a video? A great use for Social Media!