Warning About Dangerous TikTok Trend in Mukwonago Schools

MUKWONAGO, WI — The Mukwonago Area School District (MASD) has issued a warning to parents about a disturbing and dangerous TikTok trend. The viral trend involves students intentionally inserting conductive materials — such as paper clips or pencil graphite — into the USB ports of school-issued Chromebooks in an attempt to cause the devices to short circuit and release smoke or sparks.

According to a message sent by MASD I.T. Services Director Kelly Kovnesky, the district has already received “multiple reports of students attempting to do this with school-issued Chromebooks,” highlighting a local emergence of what has been observed as a national trend.

“There is a trend where students are sticking paper clips, pencil graphite, or other items into the USB ports… in an attempt to cause an electrical short within the device,” the district wrote in the letter to parents. “This can potentially destroy the device or even start a fire.”

This dangerous TikTok trend has already forced multiple schools across the country to evacuate buildings due to smoke, overheating, or fire hazards caused by students attempting to short-circuit school-issued devices. Tampering with electronics in this way can result in electrical fires, serious injuries, and significant damage to school property — putting both students and staff at risk.

MASD emphasized that the consequences for students caught participating in the trend will be severe. Disciplinary action will follow the district’s Policy 5600.01, which governs consequences for student misconduct. In addition to potential disciplinary referrals, students may be required to pay restitution up to $250 for damages, lose their take-home privileges for Chromebooks, be denied access to loaner devices unless deemed necessary for curriculum, and may be referred to the school resource officer.

District officials are urging parents to take an active role in preventing further incidents. “Please have a conversation with your child about the dangers and consequences of this trend,” MASD advised.

This so-called “LED smoke” or “Chromebook smoke” challenge has gained traction on social media platforms such as TikTok, where users record and share videos of the devices shorting out and releasing smoke.

Here is an example of the trend, which shows what students are doing, from the Waukesha County Watch YouTube Channel:

Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about responsible device use and the potential risks of online trends that encourage vandalism or unsafe behavior. Anyone with information or concerns related to this issue is also encouraged to report it to school officials.