~ A dangerous trend has been spreading among schools in the Pikes Peak Region, as students are participating in a viral TikTok Chromebook Challenge. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) has been made aware of this concerning trend and is urging parents and caregivers to educate their children on the potential dangers.

The challenge involves inserting a piece of metal or pencil lead into the charging port of a Chromebook, causing the device to spark, smoke, or even catch fire. This poses serious safety risks, including fire, battery explosions, and the release of toxic fumes. CSFD has received reports from several school districts in the region about incidents related to this challenge.

As of Friday, May 9th, CSFD has been notified of at least 16 instances where students have attempted this challenge. Fortunately, these incidents have remained relatively minor and have not required a response from fire crews. However, multiple students have been referred to CSFD's Youth Firesetter Intervention Program for fire safety awareness.

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In response to this concerning trend, CSFD is working closely with school districts and School Resource Officers to ensure they are aware of the challenge and know how to handle it appropriately. The department's main goal is to educate parents and caregivers on this trend so that they can have open conversations with their children about the potential dangers of tampering with electronic devices.

CSFD also wants to remind parents that if Lithium-Ion batteries located in Chromebooks catch fire, they can be extremely difficult to extinguish. Therefore, it is crucial for students to understand the seriousness of this challenge and refrain from participating in it.

The department urges parents and caregivers to take action by having a conversation with their children about the dangers of this trend. By working together, we can ensure that our students are acting in a safe and responsible manner when it comes to electronic devices.

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