Local fire departments are sounding the alarm over a new viral TikTok trend that is causing problems at schools across the country.In New Hampshire, parents at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham received an email from the district saying that there have been at least 15 cases in which students used objects like pencil lead, paper clips or push pins to jam the electric ports on Chromebooks, which can start a fire and short-circuit the lithium-ion batteries inside.The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office says the can have serious health consequences, even if there is no visible flame from the devices.”Any sort of lithium ion battery fire is going to release, it’s danger, extremely dangerous,” said New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey. “And it releases toxic gases, and it happens very quickly once that happens. And so from a safety perspective in the school, that’s my biggest concern.”Toomey said in some cases, the destruction of Chromebooks could result in criminal charges. School officials said any students caught participating in the challenge will have to pay for a new Chromebook.In New Jersey, a 15-year-old student has been charged with arson after participating in the challenge, according to NBC News.The Burlington Fire Marshal confirmed that a similar incident happened at a school in the district recently. The department has since issued a warning, saying that the misuse of Chromebooks can lead to sudden fires or explosions. They are asking parents to talk to their kids about the risk of participating in the challenge, and remind them that there is a real safety threat.The Lebanon, New Hampshire Fire Department is calling the behavior unlawful and highly unsafe. They said these actions can seriously hurt students, their peers and first responders. They are also urging families and schools to talk with students about the real-life consequences of the challenge.
Local fire departments are sounding the alarm over a new viral TikTok trend that is causing problems at schools across the country.
In New Hampshire, parents at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham received an email from the district saying that there have been at least 15 cases in which students used objects like pencil lead, paper clips or push pins to jam the electric ports on Chromebooks, which can start a fire and short-circuit the lithium-ion batteries inside.
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The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s office says the can have serious health consequences, even if there is no visible flame from the devices.
“Any sort of lithium ion battery fire is going to release, it’s danger, extremely dangerous,” said New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey. “And it releases toxic gases, and it happens very quickly once that happens. And so from a safety perspective in the school, that’s my biggest concern.”
Toomey said in some cases, the destruction of Chromebooks could result in criminal charges. School officials said any students caught participating in the challenge will have to pay for a new Chromebook.
In New Jersey, a 15-year-old student has been charged with arson after participating in the challenge, according to NBC News.
The Burlington Fire Marshal confirmed that a similar incident happened at a school in the district recently. The department has since issued a warning, saying that the misuse of Chromebooks can lead to sudden fires or explosions. They are asking parents to talk to their kids about the risk of participating in the challenge, and remind them that there is a real safety threat.
The Lebanon, New Hampshire Fire Department is calling the behavior unlawful and highly unsafe. They said these actions can seriously hurt students, their peers and first responders. They are also urging families and schools to talk with students about the real-life consequences of the challenge.
