Date May 23, 2025
It’s happened again. A viral TikTok challenge is making its rounds—and this time, it’s damaging more than attention spans.
Across several school districts, students are inserting pencils, paperclips, or other objects into USB-A or USB-C ports on their Chromebooks… intentionally trying to start fires.
Yes, you read that right.
The result? Burned-out ports, melted plastic, charred components, and in some cases, actual device fires. One Minnesota district reported losing four devices in one week, with students reportedly stuffing USB ports with tissue paper to ignite a flame.
This latest example of intentional Chromebook damage originated on TikTok and quickly picked up steam on Reddit forums, where tech admins from schools across the U.S. are sharing their warnings and damage reports.
Here are two Reddit threads discussing the trend:
These kinds of viral behavior shifts are frustratingly fast, hard to track, and typically not covered under warranty—leaving your team with extra device costs and fewer working units in circulation.
We’ve pulled together a quick list of ideas to help you stay ahead of this trend—and others like it.
Low-cost USB-A blockers can physically prevent students from inserting foreign objects into ports. SmartKeeper and Amazon offer port lock options with keys. These are affordable, easy to install, and could save you hundreds in repair costs. If your district purchases through POs, we can help source them.
Some districts are getting ahead of this trend by alerting parents early. A short, direct message can:
Suggested message for families:
“Due to a concerning trend on social media, we’ve seen an increase in intentional Chromebook damage. Students found responsible may be held accountable for the full cost of replacement.”
Suggested phrasing:
“Due to a concerning trend on social media, we’ve seen an increase in intentional Chromebook damage. Students found responsible may be held accountable for the full cost of replacement.”
Now is a good time to revisit your Acceptable Use Policy. Consider adding specific language about intentional damage, like:
“Tampering with USB ports or intentionally damaging school-issued devices will result in full replacement costs.”
This gives your team the ability to respond confidently and consistently when incidents happen.
Some damage can look accidental at first. Sharing photos and examples with your team can help them learn the difference.
Consider training your help desk, office staff, and media center teams on what to look for—especially if damage is starting to trend in nearby districts.
A simple reminder might be all it takes to discourage participation. Some favorites we’ve heard:
Consider short announcements, hallway signage, or even adding a slide to morning meetings.
If this trend caught you by surprise, you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to stay more proactive:
Staying connected to communities like these helps you detect early warning signs before they show up in your building.
We know your team is already juggling too much. But a few small steps now can prevent costly repairs and disruptions later. Whether you need help with repairs, updating your policy language, or preparing a family email—we’re here to support you.
If you need help sourcing tools, reviewing device policies, or want to brainstorm solutions, reach out anytime.
Let’s work together to protect your devices, your time, and your budget.
If you’ve seen your next device quote, you probably already know: costs are going up. This has left many schools looking ahead and asking the same question: how can we make the devices we already have last longer?
With most student testing happening on 1:1 devices, preparation goes beyond study guides. Having the right accessories, backup devices, and a clear plan helps prevent disruptions. From ensuring students have the right tools to preparing for last-minute tech issues, here’s how schools can keep testing on track.
Some schools are making the switch to only using Chromebooks district-wide. This move can boost cost savings and collaboration, but the transition isn’t always easy. In our latest blog, we’ve put together key recommendations and considerations for districts looking to make this change.
