Have you ever plugged in a mouse into your USB port before? Although that might seem like a silly question, students across the country have embraced the new and dangerous trend of sticking metal into USB ports on their school Chromebooks. The popularity for this trend originated on TikTok, where students have posted videos of using metallic objects to create a spark as a result of short circuiting. Seemingly innocent everyday objects including pencil lead and paper clips are now in the spotlight of this controversy.
The initial spark may appear as exciting or entertaining at first; however, the consequences in several specific cases have proven the trend’s futility and danger. In Roseville, California, KCRA 3 News reported that a Center Joint Unified School District classroom was evacuated after a student’s Chromebook produced large amounts of smoke. Superintendent of the district Scott Loehr had this to say about the incident: “It’s not all fun and games. It is a very serious thing that could cause some very significant damage or injury.”
The real danger of this trend is that such activity can damage the Chromebook’s battery. Lithium ion batteries have a reignition property; when students return from school, there’s a chance that a few hours later, the situation can turn dire for their home.
TikTok itself has stated that all videos and results from this trend have been removed. Several school districts have issued warnings about disciplinary action and potential technology damage costs. However, students across the nation have continued to carry on the trend, which has left many families and schools in uncertainty.
FM has sent out a message to families about the tampering of ports and the importance of having an educational conversation about related hazards. The district has established that consequences for this behavior will not be taken lightly, “The District Code of Conduct will be followed and states that attempting to, aiding in, or setting fire to a building or other property is considered destruction of property, a level II and level III violation, which can result in student suspension.”
With an increase in popular social media pranks and trends, school districts are choosing to prioritize immediate action not just for disciplinary concerns, but also for the safety of the student body and school buildings.
