ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Both state and Capital Region law enforcement agencies are warning parents about a new social media trend called the “Chromebook Challenge.” According to officials, the “potentially dangerous” challenge encourages students to intentionally short circuit their school-issued laptops.

As part of the “Chromebook Challenge,” students insert lead or metal items, such as paperclips, aluminum foil or mechanical pencils, into the USB port of their school-issued Chromebook device, according to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The action reportedly forces an electrical short circuit and damages the device’s lithium-ion battery.

Due to the damage to the battery, the trend poses a serious risk of fire and the production of large quantities of toxic and flammable vapor, DHSES said in a fire department response guidance document published on Thursday. The document also noted that several schools in the state have reported incidents related to the challenge, with some students repeatedly trying to short circuit their device.

In addition to DHSES, other state departments and law enforcement agencies have issued warnings about the challenge, including the New York State Education Department and the City of Schenectady Fire Department. The Burnt Hills Fire Department and Glenville Hill Fire Department also stressed the safety, legal and educational consequences that could result from the challenge.

In the event that a Chromebook or other device is damaged as a result of the challenge, DHSES advises the public to stay as far away from the device as possible, follow your building evacuation plan and contact your local emergency services. DHSES also urges law enforcement agencies to notify them of any lithium-ion battery emergencies by emailing batteryemergencies@dhses.ny.gov.

Source link