Alarming Chromebook TikTok Trend

Dear Norton Community, 

We want to inform you of a concerning trend circulating on social media, particularly TikTok. This new "challenge" encourages students to insert foreign objects (pencil lead, paperclips, or pushpins) into the openings on their Chromebooks. 

We understand that social media challenges can sometimes seem harmless, but we are concerned about the safety implications caused by this particular challenge. Inserting a metal object into an electronic device can pose a serious risk of electrical shock or even start a fire. We want to ensure the safety of all our students and prevent any potential harm. 

In addition, this particular act can also cause significant damage to the Chromebook, which may require extensive repairs and disrupt your child’s learning. This will result in your family paying $250 to replace the damaged device, as well as disciplinary consequences outlined in the school handbook. 

We ask for your partnership in addressing this issue. Please take the time to talk to your child about the potential dangers of this challenge and the importance of using technology responsibly. We encourage you to reinforce the following: 

● It is important to make responsible choices online and not participate in harmful social media trends. 

● School-issued devices are to be used for educational purposes only. 

● Tampering with electronic devices can lead to damage and safety hazards. 

● Student code of conduct will be enforced with disciplinary consequences for damaging school equipment. 

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and ensuring that technology remains a valuable learning tool. 

Sincerely, 

Jennifer O’Neill, Superintendent