Chromebook social media challenge can lead to fires, Maryland Fire Marshal warns

The Maryland Fire Marshal alerted parents and community members to a social media challenge involving Chromebooks that has been linked to several recent fires and instances of property damage. 

According to the Fire Marshal's Office, students have been participating in the "Chromebook Challenge" by putting electrically conductive objects into the charging ports of school-issued devices. The action can lead to sparks, smoke, and in some cases, fires. 

Fires caused by "Chromebook Challenge"

The warning issued on Thursday said that the "reckless behavior" has already led to several fires. As of May 5, state officials have documented multiple cases of the "Chromebook Challenge." 

The action of putting metallic items or pencils into the charging port of a device can cause it to short-circuit, authorities warned. 

"You could be electrocuted, you could cause that lithium ion battery that's inside the computer to cause thermal runaway, and what that is is just a malfunction of the batter that leads to a pretty extensive fire, not only with the computer but any items nearby," said Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire.

Some of the cases have prompted an emergency response and led to disciplinary action at Maryland schools. 

"We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts," Acting State Fire Marshall Jason Mowbray said. "It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices."

Maryland schools echo "Chromebook Challenge" warning

Staff at Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) said they are aware of the dangerous challenge making the rounds on social media. 

Master Deputy State Fire Marshal Oliver Alkire said there have been several reported incidents across the Baltimore area, and while thankfully no one has been injured and all the incidents have been minor, he says parents need to talk to their kids before a tragedy happens.

"It's not a joke, it's not a prank. It's something that we do take serious and something that we want to tell you, just stop doing it," Alkire warned.

In a statement, BCPS reminded parents and students that intentionally damaging BCPS-issued devices violates student handbook policies. 

If the action leads to a fire, the district could seek legal action, officials warned. They asked parents to talk with students about the importance of navigating the influence of social media. 

"Parents should also be aware, the impact of these social media trends extend beyond the schoolhouse," BCPS officials said. 

Harford County Public Schools shared a similar statement, urging parents to speak to their children about the risks of the social media challenge.  

Social media trends can lead to rise in performance crimes

People WJZ spoke with say these social media trends have gotten out of hand.

"You get a small microcosm of folks who say, 'Oh this is wholly acceptable,' and run with it. Let's go do it and try to emulate it. And it becomes destructive and who can outdo the other," said father Tom Fuss.

Even students agree that some of the challenges are scary.

"Some people look at TikTok, Instagram, social media and they're like, 'Oh I want to get these types of likes and stuff,'" Alessandro Morales, a student, admitted.

"I feel like it's wasting resources, and Chromebooks are beautiful,l so you shouldn't waste things that cost a lot of money," Joe Dabney, a separate student, said.

Several school districts in the area have issued warnings about the Chromebook challenge, warning students not only of these potential dangers, but that they could be charged with vandalism or arson if they participate.

The rise in similar dangerous social media trends has increased cases of a phenomenon called performance crimes. 

In 2023, viral social media videos taught people how to exploit vulnerabilities in some models of Kia and Hyundai cars. 

CBS News Sacramento reported that Hyundai tried to work with TikTok and other social media platforms to remove the videos, but as new videos were uploaded, it brought more theft cases as teens sought to go viral.