Durham Students: Don't Follow TikTok Chromebook Trend

In a note to Rogers-Herr Middle School families on Sunday, Principal Tawauna Stewart asked for help to “address a concerning increase in the number of damaged device reports we have recently received.”

She cited an “alarming trend in damaged Chromebooks” that could’ve been influenced by a popular TikTok challenge that encourages students to jam paper clips and pencils into a computer’s USB port to cause a short circuit or catch fire.

Stewart told parents and guardians that the school is investigating all reported device damage. If it’s determined that a student intentionally damaged their Chromebook as part of a social media challenge, their consequences could include:

School disciplinary action.
Financial responsibility for device repair or replacement.
Possible suspension of device privileges.

Durham Public Schools hadn’t issued any warnings about the TikTok challenge as of Monday morning. Wake County, however, put out a statement on May 8, indicating that the behavior is “extremely dangerous, poses serious safety risks, and is a direct violation of both school policy and state law.”

“We need your help to make sure students understand the gravity of these actions,” the Wake statement reads. “Please talk to your child about the risks and consequences of participating in dangerous social media trends. We also strongly encourage you to monitor your child’s use of their school-issued Chromebook at home, including how and when it is used and stored. Your oversight plays a vital role in keeping students safe and reinforcing responsible digital behavior.”

In Belleville, N.J., last week, a 15-year-old high school student faced arson and criminal mischief charges after shoving the lead from a mechanical pencil into their computer.

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