There’s a new viral trend making its way through schools—and it’s costing districts more than just devices. The "Chromebook Challenge" is a destructive social media trend where students intentionally damage their school-issued Chromebooks by inserting metal objects, like paperclips, into USB ports to short-circuit them. These acts are often filmed and posted on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts in hopes of gaining attention, likes, or followers. 

While it may seem like a quick stunt to students, the consequences are serious—both for schools and the students involved. In this post, we will break down the dangers, the psychology behind it, and what parents and educators can do to stop it.

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet.(Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

Parent Video

What Is the “Chromebook Challenge”?

• The Chromebook Challenge involves students across the country short-circuiting and frying their Chromebooks by sticking objects such as paperclips into the USB ports
• They are recording their actions and posting the videos on TikTok or YouTube Shorts to gain likes, comments, or followers

What are the dangers of the Chromebook Challenge?

• Disciplinary action, school suspension, loss of technology privileges
• Financial strain on schools due to increased replacements and mistrust in tech programs
• Unexpected tech fees, damaged reputation, digital behavior concerns

Why do students want to participate in this challenge?

• Connection to digital peer pressure and viral attention-seeking
• Kids often seek attention and affirmation online — even at the cost of ethics
• The psychology behind destroying something valuable “for fun”
  

What can parents do?

• Talk openly with your kids about this trend — and why it’s dangerous
• Ask questions like: “Have you seen videos like this?” “What do you think makes it so popular?”
• Set clear boundaries and consequences for damaging school property
• Encourage conversations about respecting technology and understanding digital responsibility

How Schools Can Respond

• Issue proactive digital citizenship reminders to students
• Update tech use agreements to include social-media-related vandalism
• Create reporting systems for students to flag destructive trends
• Host parent workshops or newsletters on emerging digital risks

News about the Chromebook Challenge

School staff warned that students who are caught participating in the challenge would face a financial penalty but also warned that doing so could put lives and the health of students and staff at risk. - ABC News

…the students involved in the 31 incidents are facing disciplinary action, including suspension. The students' families are also required to pay $200 to replace the damaged device. - Fox 5, Atlanta

More resources for parents, students, & educators

25+ Dangerous Social Media Challenges Parents Need to Know

Social Media Challenges: What Students, Parents, & Educators Need to Know

Avoiding Strangers & Dangerous Situations Online

Conclusion

The Chromebook Challenge is more than a prank—it’s a reflection of how digital peer pressure and the pursuit of online attention can lead students to make costly, harmful decisions. As parents and educators, it’s crucial to stay ahead of these trends by keeping an open dialogue, setting clear expectations, and reinforcing the value of respect, both online and offline. By working together, we can help students understand the real impact of their actions and guide them toward more responsible, thoughtful digital behavior.