Parents,

We are reaching out today with an urgent request for your partnership in addressing a dangerous trend circulating on social media platforms like TikTok. Some students across the country have been participating in a challenge that involves intentionally damaging school-issued Chromebooks. Unfortunately, some incidents have already occurred in MISD schools.

The challenge calls for students to insert metal objects like paper clips, push pins, and pencil lead into the Chromebook’s USB port to short-circuit the device. Doing so can cause the Chromebook to emit smoke, catch fire, damage electrical outlets, or even electrocute the student. In some cases, students insert those same items directly into electrical outlets. This behavior poses serious safety risks and is a violation of school policy.

We need your help to ensure students understand the seriousness of these actions.

Please speak with your child about the risks and consequences of participating in dangerous social media trends. We also strongly encourage you to monitor your child’s use of his or her school-issued Chromebook at home. Your oversight plays a vital role in keeping students safe and reinforcing responsible digital behavior.

Students who intentionally damage district property will be required to compensate the district for the cost of the device, and they will be disciplined according to the MISD Student Code of Conduct.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment for all students.