BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office is warning of a dangerous new trend among students involving inserting foreign objects into electronic device charging ports. The trend, known as the “Chromebook Challenge,” has already caused several incidents of fires and property damage in schools across the state.
Students have been inserting items like pencils and other metallic objects into the charging ports of school-issued and personal devices, causing short circuits. These incidents have resulted in sparks, smoke, and, in some cases, battery ignitions due to thermal runaway. This has led to emergency evacuations and disciplinary actions in schools.
“We want to emphasize the importance of educating students about the dangers associated with these acts,” said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray. “It is crucial that parents and educators work together to promote a culture of safety and responsibility regarding electronic devices.”
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is urging parents and school officials to talk to students about the dangers of this behavior. They also recommend that schools reinforce policies prohibiting this type of activity. The goal is to protect students and ensure a safe learning environment for all.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.
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