Randolph County Schools has been made aware of a concerning and dangerous TikTok trend involving the misuse of Chromebooks. This trend has already caused serious disruptions in other states, including school evacuations and emergency responses.
Students are reportedly using bits of metal (such as thumbtacks or paperclips) or pencil lead to short out the USB ports on student Chromebooks. This reckless behavior can cause the devices to start smoking and potentially ignite the battery, posing a serious fire hazard to students, staff, and school property.
We want to be absolutely clear:
Any student engaging in this type of misconduct involving Chromebooks will face immediate and serious consequences.
Specifically:
Law Enforcement Involvement: Any student participating in this trend will be referred to the local police department, and criminal charges may be pursued.
School Disciplinary Action: In addition to legal consequences, students will face significant school discipline, which may include suspension or even recommendation for expulsion.
Randolph County Schools is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment. Actions that compromise safety or disrupt the educational process will not be tolerated.
We strongly urge all students to make good choices, and we encourage parents to speak with their children about the serious ramifications of participating in harmful online trends.
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.
Randolph County Schools Administration