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BCSS Families,
We need your help. A dangerous trend is circulating on TikTok, encouraging students to insert items such as pencil lead, paper clips, pushpins, folded metallic gum wrappers, or other objects into Chromebook USB ports.
Not only does this behavior have a high possibility of damaging or destroying the Chromebook, but it is also extremely dangerous and poses a serious fire risk. Inserting metallic objects into a Chromebook’s USB port or any other electronic device’s ports can damage the device, spark or puncture the battery, and potentially cause overheating, fire, or even explosion. We are aware of at least three districts so far that have evacuated schools due to Chromebook fires from this TikTok trend, and at least one non-Barrow student who was sent to the hospital after causing a Chromebook to catch on fire.
This kind of activity will not be tolerated.
Any student caught participating in this behavior on school property will face disciplinary action following the school’s code of conduct. In addition, students and their families will be held financially responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any damaged school-issued devices. Numerous BCSS students have already been assessed fines due to this trend.
We also want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that social media trends are often unsafe. Many online "challenges" are created simply for attention and can have serious consequences. Please talk with your children about the importance of thinking critically before engaging in any social media trend, especially those that could cause harm.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping your student and our school community safe.
Barrow County School System