Chrome Book trend damaging school laptops, some FCPS classes disrupted

Kentucky districts report destroyed devices, injuries linked to viral social media challenge

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – An online trend that’s gaining traction nationwide is having serious impacts at Kentucky schools.

The so-called “Chromebook trend” is leading students to destroy expensive school property by inserting metal objects into their Chromebook ports, causing the devices to short out, smoke, and sometimes catch fire.

A technology expert says it’s not just dangerous, it’s also extremely costly.

“When you plug in a USB device it needs power, so it has access to the power on the motherboard,” said Tracy Hardin, President of Next Century Technology. “So that circuits being completed when you stick a metal object in, and it’s being completed in a way that’s not meant to work that way,” said Hardin.

The trend has gained traction on platforms like TikTok and has already affected school districts, including Perry County Schools. The district announced that seven Chromebooks were damaged as a result of the trend.

Officials warn the challenge has led to injuries and even house fires.

As a parent of a Fayette County Public Schools student, Hardin says she has personal concerns about the trend spreading.

“But what really concerns mean is you got these elementary middle and high school, at least here in Fayette County, those kids have Chrome Books, I know that because my daughter attends school here,” Hardin said. “If those kids are seeing it on TikTok and the parents don’t know about it they may very well try it at home and on their computers,” said Hardin.

Fayette County Public Schools says it’s aware of the trend but has no evidence of the disruption at this time.

The destruction also causes internal electronics to burn, producing a smell that Hardin says parents should be alert to.

“I think making parents aware that this is happening, and if they smell something like that if they smell it in the house, and unusual smell to definitely investigate,” she said. “It’s like burning plastic or something it’s not a very pleasant smell,” said Hardin.

Aside from safety, the trend is also hitting schools financially. Perry County Schools report each Chromebook costs $435.

In Fayette County, FCPS reported an incident at Southern Middle School.

Here is the full text of a letter sent to families, from principal Kevin Payne, concerning the incident Thursday afternoon:

May 8, 2025
Dear Southern Middle School Families:
As you know, one of my top priorities as principal is ensuring we have open lines of
communication between home and school – especially when something unusual
happens. I want you to trust that I will always keep you informed.
We had an incident occur this afternoon that you may hear about from your students.
Anytime there is a safety issue on campus we want you to hear the facts directly from
us. There is a national trend circulating on social media referred to as the “Social Media
Laptop Fire Challenge”, in which students attempt to short out their school-issued
device (Chromebook, laptop computer, etc.) which leads them to potentially catch on
fire. Today, a student made an attempt to do this at school.
Out of an abundance of caution we evacuated the building and alerted the fire
department. Our regular fire evacuation and safety drills prepared our students and staff
to follow procedures, thus ensuring the safety of everyone. Once the Lexington Fire
Department indicated the building was safe and cleared, we reentered the building. I
want to express gratitude to the Lexington Fire Department for its prompt and thorough
response.
This event temporarily disrupted the classroom learning environments for some of our
8th grade students and staff. As a result, they have been learning in alternate locations
within the building. This is a serious offense. Please speak with your children at home
and reinforce this behavior is criminal and not acceptable at school. This is also an
excellent time to remind our students that they can report information anonymously
through the STOP Tipline on our website.
Thank you for the privilege of working with your children and for your understanding that
we are working diligently to provide a safe and welcoming learning environment on our
campus. I understand that unusual incidents such as this may be stressful or raise
questions. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to email
me at kevin.payne@fayette.kyschools.us.
Sincerely,
Kevin Payne, Principal
Southern Middle School