Students are deliberately short-circuiting school laptops as part of social media trend
DENVER (KDVR) — School district officials have had enough as a social media trend directing students to short-circuit their school-issued laptops sparked a half-dozen fires in the past week.
Officials say it's all part of a social media trend where videos show students how to short-circuit their laptop or puncture the lithium batteries — the short-circuit or puncture causes the battery's temperature to rise uncontrollably, which can lead to a fire or explosion and also releases toxic fumes.
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On Wednesday, the Boulder Valley School District said that there were three reports of such incidents at its schools: One at Eldorado PK-8, and two at Broomfield High School. Three other incidents occurred between May 2-6 at Centaurus High School, Broomfield Heights Middle School and Angevine Middle School.
The district isn't putting up with the trend, and sent an email to families asking them to discuss the incidents together.
'It is all of our responsibility to take care of each other and school property on a daily basis,' the email stated. 'That is why we encourage families to have a conversation with students about using social media responsibly and the potential consequences of engaging in this type of behavior.'
The district noted that not only are the battery fires dangerous and could cause injury or property damage, but that students who damage their laptops are violating the Student Code of Conduct, 'and the law, potentially leading to school discipline and criminal prosecution.'
'Our hope is that by speaking to students in advance, we can ensure everyone can enjoy the last weeks before summer break and help students avoid situations that can have large repercussions,' the district's email stated.
BVSD is far from alone. Adams 12 Five Star Schools also sent an email to families with a similar message in recent days. Schools in Connecticut and other states have had to be evacuated due to fires caused by students following the 'trend.'
It even led to the Connecticut State Fire Marshal and State Fire Administrator issuing a warning, encouraging students not to short-circuit their personal or school-issued electronic devices by inserting pencil lead or other conductive materials into USB or charging ports.
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'Social media trends, many that include risky behavior, are sadly on the increase. Students and parents must be aware of this latest trend involving laptops and other personal electronic devices that have the potential to cause serious injury, death, and/or property damage,' said Connecticut State Fire Administrator Jeff Morrissette.
One school in Pennsylvania posted a message to its website that tells families each of its Chromebooks costs $350, and the Cost will be billed to the students and their families if the student chooses to participate in the trend.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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