TechBytes: Special Edition

A trend is circulating on TikTok and other social media that encourages students to insert small metal objects (such as paper clips, pushpins or pencils) into the charging ports or internal components of Chromebooks to create an electrical short circuit. This can result in sparking, electrical fires, and even battery punctures, all of which can cause serious injury and damage.

This behavior poses a serious safety risk and causes significant damage to district technology.

Unfortunately, we have already seen a few cases in our schools. This type of damage will not be covered by the manufacturer and these devices will need to be replaced at an approximate cost of $500 per device.

If you see or suspect that a student is engaging in this type of activity, please report the incident to your school administrator and submit a ticket to ITS to have the device picked up as soon as possible. Do not attempt to power on or charge a device that appears to have been damaged or broken in this manner.

We are also encouraging students to report any unsafe behavior they witness involving Chromebooks or other devices.