NH Schools Alert: Dangerous TikTok Trend Sparks 15 Chromebook Fires

New Hampshire school districts are warning parents about a dangerous TikTok trend that involves students setting Chromebooks on fire.

The parents at Cooperative Middle School in Stratham were informed via email about the challenge, resulting in at least 15 occurrences. Pupils are utilizing objects such as lead weights, paperclips, and pushpins to obstruct the electrical ports of their Chromebooks.

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This trend doesn't just harm school-provided laptops; it has the potential to cause fires as well.

"A lithium-ion battery fire will inevitably release harmful substances; this poses significant risks due to the rapid generation of toxic fumes. From a safety standpoint within an educational environment, this is my primary worry," stated New Hampshire Fire Marshal Sean Toomey.

Toomey stated that what is referred to as a prank could lead to significant health hazards, despite the absence of noticeable fire.

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"A laptop will start smoking a little bit, and they don't see it as this big raging fire, but that the gases associated with those batteries are extremely dangerous," he said.

Although certain students might view the challenge as humorous, Toomey emphasized that they must comprehend the danger it presents.

"He emphasized the importance of spreading that message to effectively avoid such incidents, particularly in schools with large crowds where injuries are more likely," he stated.

School authorities stated that any students involved in the challenge will have to cover the cost of replacements.

Toomey stated that under certain circumstances, such actions might result in criminal charges.

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READ THE FULL STORY: New Hampshire schools issue warnings about a hazardous TikTok challenge following 15 incidents involvingChromebook fires.

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