14-05-2025
Dangerous TikTok trend causing problems in McDowell County schools
welch — School officials in McDowell County are warning students and parents about a dangerous social media trend that has been reported at two local schools.
According to the school system, students are trying to mimic online videos on the social media platform TikTok that shows other individuals attempting to damage and cause Chromebooks to catch fire.
According to the McDowell County School system, students at both River View High School and Sandy River Middle School have tried to follow the online trend and damage federally funded Chromebooks provided by the school system.
The TikTok videos in question show other students using bits of metal to try to short out the USB ports on their Chromebooks. But doing so can cause the computers to begin smoking and potentially ignite the battery, creating a fire hazard to students, staff and school property.
Sgt. A.D. Perry with the McDowell County Sheriff's Department, who works as a school resource officer at River View High School and Sandy River Middle School, is working with the school system on both cases, according to Sheriff's Office Chief Field Deputy A.S. Epperson.
Epperson said the incidents at River View High and Sandy River Middle are the only two cases that the sheriff's department is currently aware of. He said the students involved in these and any other future cases will face disciplinary action from the school system and potential charges through the county's juvenile court system.
'As of right now those are the only two (cases) that have been brought to our attention,' Epperson said. 'I'm sure there will be some type of punishment from the schools.'
A message left Tuesday with McDowell County School Superintendent Dr. Ingrida Barker was not immediately returned.
However, the statement released from the school system said the TikTok challenge has already caused 'serious disruptions' in other states and school districts in West Virginia, including school evacuations and emergency responses.
The school system said parents also need to let their students know that such online trends are dangerous.
'We strongly urge all students to make good choices, and we encourage all parents to speak with their children about the serious ramifications of participating in harmful online trends,' the school system statement said. 'These trends are causing students to make horrible decisions that are extremely costly and unsafe.'
According to McDowell County Schools, any students participating in the dangerous TikTok trend will be referred to the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and criminal charges will be pursued. In addition, the students will face significant school discipline, which may include suspension or a recommendation for expulsion. The families of the students involved also will be required to pay for the device that is damaged or destroyed and the expense associated with any destruction of property.
Contact Charles Owens at
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