Latest news with #WashingtonTownshipMetropolitanSchoolDistrict
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
This TikTok trend involving school-issued laptops could cost parents some cash
Are kids destroying laptops just for fun? Unfortunately, yes, and it could cost parents. A new viral TikTok trend began earlier this week when a user shared a video in which they use paper clips or mechanical pencils and stick the lead into the USB port of a Chromebook, which causes the computer to smoke. Students who have participated in the trend have quickly learned that not only does the computer smoke, in some cases it has caught fire, causing school evacuations around the country. The trend involves frying school-issued laptops. So students are not always destroying their personal computers; they are destroying school property. Intentionally damaging a school-issued device, however, is against most school policies and will result in a fine to replace the device. Washington Township Metropolitan School District sent out an email to parents warning them of the dangers of this viral trend. The message urged parents to speak with their children about both the safety and financial implications of participating in this trend. Parents in that district were warned that if their students take part in this challenge, there'll be a $380 replacment charge. Carmel Clay Schools sent a similar message to its families, also mentioning the risks and seriousness of tampering with devices. The message said if students do this, "there will be consequences in accordance with school policy." Parents, be sure to talk to your student about not setting things on fire — especially school-issued laptops — to keep everyone at school safe and to avoid an unnecessary fine. Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Viral TikTok trend results in fried Chromebooks and school evacuations
Indianapolis Star
08-05-2025
- Indianapolis Star
This TikTok trend involving school-issued laptops could cost parents some cash
Are kids destroying laptops just for fun? Unfortunately, yes, and it could cost parents. A new viral TikTok trend began earlier this week when a user shared a video in which they use paper clips or mechanical pencils and stick the lead into the USB port of a Chromebook, which causes the computer to smoke. Students who have participated in the trend have quickly learned that not only does the computer smoke, in some cases it has caught fire, causing school evacuations around the country. The trend involves frying school-issued laptops. So students are not always destroying their personal computers; they are destroying school property. Intentionally damaging a school-issued device, however, is against most school policies and will result in a fine to replace the device. Washington Township Metropolitan School District sent out an email to parents warning them of the dangers of this viral trend. The message urged parents to speak with their children about both the safety and financial implications of participating in this trend. Parents in that district were warned that if their students take part in this challenge, there'll be a $380 replacment charge. Carmel Clay Schools sent a similar message to its families, also mentioning the risks and seriousness of tampering with devices. The message said if students do this, "there will be consequences in accordance with school policy." Parents, be sure to talk to your student about not setting things on fire — especially school-issued laptops — to keep everyone at school safe and to avoid an unnecessary fine.
