Local and state fire officials are warning about a dangerous trend circulating on social media that could put children, homes and schools at serious risk.
The social media trend on TikTok and other platforms challenges students to short circuit their personal or school-issued electronic devices, mainly Chromebooks, by inserting a pencil or other conductive object into the USB or other charging ports.
The resulting short circuit can generate sparks and significant amounts of smoke or even fire. Any resulting fire can easily spread to nearby combustible items. It can also lead the internal battery to experience thermal runaway and ignite.
“It is vitally important that youth and adults take fire risks seriously and recognize the danger inherent to these types of social media challenges,” stated State Fire Marshal Lauri Volkert in a press release. “Fire can become uncontrolled and turn deadly in just a few seconds.”
Easton Fire Marshal Schuyler Sherwood is asking parents and guardians to talk to their children about this challenge and the dangers it presents.
“Encourage them to report any classmates involved in these activities,” said Sherwood. “Monitor their online activity and help them recognize the dangers of this challenge, as this challenge can cause the internal lithium batteries to go into thermal runaway.”
There have already been several reported incidents at Connecticut schools in the past few days, and school districts across the state are warning both parents and students of the risks associated with the trend.
NBC Connecticut reported that Newington High School was evacuated last week when a student’s school-issued Chromebook began smoking and firefighters rushed to the school. Similar incidents have been reported in Derby and Ansonia high schools.
“Social media trends, many that include risky behavior, are sadly on the increase,” said State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette. “Students and parents must be aware of this latest trend involving laptops and other personal electronic devices that have the potential to cause serious injury, death, and/or property damage.”
Chuck Stanyke, a member of the state Commission on Fire Prevention and Control and school security director in Ansonia, said most students are unaware of how dangerous this particular challenge is.
“The resulting thermal runaway can cause toxic gases to issue from the device,” Stanyke said. “By intentionally causing these types of emergencies, youth are putting their peers and teachers at risk as well as tying up emergency response agencies and possibly delaying their response elsewhere.”
