KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – The Kenosha Unified School District is sounding the alarm over a disturbing new social media trend encouraging students to vandalize school-issued Chromebooks — a challenge that has already made waves in other districts across the country.

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In a letter emailed to all KUSD families on Monday, district officials warned parents about a viral TikTok trend that involves students intentionally damaging Chromebooks and then posting videos of the destruction online. The letter urges parents to speak with their children about the serious consequences of participating in such challenges, which include disciplinary action and potentially hefty financial liability.

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“Intentionally damaging school property is not only a violation of school policy but can also result in disciplinary consequences and potential financial responsibility for repairs or replacements (up to $250),” the letter reads.

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Dubbed by some users online as the “Chromebook Crush Challenge,” the trend has gained traction among teens in recent weeks, with videos circulating on TikTok showing devices being slammed shut with objects inside, screens being cracked, and ports being filled with liquids or food.

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KUSD is not alone in dealing with TikTok-fueled destruction. Districts in at least five other states have reported similar Chromebook-related vandalism in recent weeks, echoing concerns from previous challenges such as 2021’s “Devious Lick” trend, which involved the theft and destruction of school property.

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The letter from KUSD urges parents to remind their children that actions taken online — especially those involving vandalism or unsafe behavior — can carry lasting consequences both within and outside the school setting. The district also encourages families to contact their child’s school with any concerns or reports of involvement in the trend.

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KUSD provides Chromebooks to students as part of its 1:1 technology initiative, which began in 2020 to support remote and hybrid learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The devices remain the property of the district, and students are responsible for ensuring they are returned in working condition.

This is not the first time Kenosha Unified has issued a warning about social media trends influencing student behavior. School officials hope that increased awareness and parent involvement will help curb the spread of the latest challenge before it causes significant damage.

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