Tuesday Tech Tips Special Edition: Dangerous TikTok Chromebook Challenge 5-20-2025

 

GCSD Staff-

The message below was recently sent to families across the district regarding a TikTok Chromebook Challenge. We’ve observed this trend in some Greece classrooms and wanted to make sure everyone is informed with this consistent message. 

According to the article HERE, an individual in RCSD was just hospitalized due to a "smoking" Chromebook.  While it hasn’t been confirmed yet that this was connected to the Chromebook Challenge, at least five of these incidents across New York are reportedly connected. 

Dear Families, 

We need your help addressing a dangerous trend happening in some of our schools. A current TikTok challenge encourages students to insert pencil lead into Chromebook USB ports, which can cause sparks, short circuits, and even fires.

Unfortunately, in many cases, students are damaging other people’s devices—not their own—leaving their peers without a working Chromebook. This is unfair and disruptive, especially since we do not have an unlimited supply of replacement devices. 

Please talk with your child about respecting school property and the impact their actions can have on others. Make them aware that any student found intentionally damaging a Chromebook will face disciplinary action, and families will be responsible for replacement costs—up to $200.

Thank you for your support in keeping our schools safe and focused on learning.