Millburn Schools Warn of Dangerous Chromebook Challenge

Millburn Township Public Schools officials have issued an urgent warning to parents about a hazardous new social media trend encouraging students to deliberately damage their district-issued laptops. The “Chromebook social media challenge” involves dangerous manipulation of computer batteries that can cause short circuits, generate smoke, and potentially spark fires, according to a letter sent to families on Thursday.

Superintendent Kathryn Diskin emphasized that students who participate in the trend will face serious consequences, including financial responsibility for the full replacement cost of damaged devices, according to Patch.

Dangerous Trend Puts Safety at Risk

The social media challenge, which has been circulating on platforms popular with middle and high school students, instructs participants to tamper with the batteries in their school-issued Chromebooks. This tampering creates dangerous electrical shorts that generate smoke—a visual effect participants apparently find entertaining enough to document and share online.

“Such actions not only damage the devices, but also put students and others at serious risk of harm,” Superintendent Diskin warned in her communication to parents. The district’s primary concern is safety, as tampered batteries can overheat, leak hazardous chemicals, or even ignite, potentially causing injuries or property damage.

Technology experts note that lithium-ion batteries, which power most modern laptops including Chromebooks, contain flammable electrolytes that can combust when damaged or improperly handled.

Financial Consequences for Participants

Beyond the physical dangers, students who participate in the challenge will face significant financial penalties. The district has made it clear that intentional damage voids the insurance protection normally available for district technology.

“Those found to have engaged in behaviors that violate this agreement will forfeit their eligibility for a replacement Chromebook through Chromebook insurance and will be responsible for the full replacement cost of the device,” Diskin stated in her letter to parents.

With Chromebooks typically costing between $200-400 per unit, families could face substantial unexpected expenses if their children participate in the damaging trend. District officials also indicated that disciplinary measures may be implemented in addition to the financial consequences.

Violation of Acceptable Use Agreement

School officials reminded families that all students using district technology have explicitly agreed to an Acceptable Use Agreement, which strictly prohibits damaging or tampering with school-issued devices. This agreement, which students and parents acknowledge at the beginning of each school year, outlines responsible technology use expectations.

“We strongly encourage you to speak with your child about the dangers of tampering with Chromebook batteries or any other electronic device,” the superintendent advised parents. “Please remind them that district-issued Chromebooks are provided to support their education, and responsible use is required.”

The district’s Acceptable Use Agreement is available for review on the district website, and technology department staff are available to address questions from concerned parents.

Social Media Challenges Causing Concern

This is not the first time dangerous social media challenges have caused concern in schools nationwide. In recent years, educators have confronted various viral trends encouraging students to engage in disruptive or harmful behaviors, from the “devious licks” challenge that prompted school vandalism to challenges encouraging dangerous stunts.

“These trends often spread rapidly through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where students may feel pressure to participate to gain social validation,” explained Dr. Marcus Reid, a digital media expert who studies adolescent online behavior. “The desire for attention and social currency can override good judgment, especially among young people still developing critical thinking skills.”

Parents are advised to monitor their children’s social media use and have regular conversations about responsible digital citizenship and the real-world consequences of online activities.

Resources for Parents

In response to concerns about the challenge, Millburn schools are providing parents with resources to discuss technology safety with their children. The district encouraged families to reinforce that school-issued technology is an educational tool that should be treated with respect and care.

“These conversations about digital citizenship are increasingly important as students spend more time online,” noted Michael Skara, Millburn’s director of technology, who was identified as the contact person for parents with questions about the situation.

The district has asked parents to partner with them in preventing participation in this dangerous trend, emphasizing that open communication between home and school is essential for addressing challenges in the digital age. Parents with additional questions were directed to contact Skara at michael.skara@millburn.org.