Texas Teens Are Setting Chromebooks on Fire for TikTok Clout

Oh the internet. Sometimes it can be used for good and other times, it can be used for the stupidest trends EVER! Case and point, the “Chromebook Challenge,” and El Paso kids are, unfortunately, jumping on this dangerous trend.

Teens Are Frying Their School Chromebooks for Clout and It Could Land Them in SERIOUS Trouble

Another day, another chaotic TikTok trend. This one? Students are sticking random objects into their Chromebooks’ USB ports and they’re literally catching fire.

Videos of smoke-billowing laptops have made their way to TikTok and, according to fire officials, this viral stunt is more dangerous than it is funny.

Captain Carlos Ornelas with El Paso Fire Marshals says messing with the USB port messes with the electric current, which can lead to overheating, toxic gas release, and full-on laptop fires. Basically, your kid’s Chromebook is turning into a mini flamethrower.

Clint ISD Superintendent Dr. Juan Martinez told KVIA that there have already been three incidents in his district alone. And schools aren’t playing around. Disciplinary action includes suspension, placement in alternative school, and yep—parents footing the bill. That means anywhere from $400 to $1,000 in damages. Oh, and don’t forget the chairs, desks, and potential criminal charges.

According to Ornelas, any student over the age of 10 could be hit with criminal mischief charges—or even felony arson if flames are involved. On school property? That only makes it worse.

Moral of the story: TikTok trends don’t last forever, CRIMINAL CHARGES DO!!