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A dangerous social media trend called the "Chromebook challenge" is sweeping schools nationwide. Students are deliberately damaging their school-issued laptops by inserting objects into the devices' ports and causing them to short-circuit and smoke. Videos of this damage are being shared on TikTok and Instagram. This reckless behavior has resulted in property damage, classroom disruptions, and even suspensions or criminal charges for some students.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.