Local schools warn about social media trend encouraging students to light devices on fire

Students are putting pencil lead (graphite) and metal into computer USB ports and outlets to start fires. | TikTok IDAHO FALLS — The superintendent for Idaho Falls School District 91 is encouraging parents to talk to their children about a dangerous new social media trend. “Some students across the country have been inserting metal or conductive items into the USB ports of school-issued devices to intentionally start a fire or cause damage,” says an email to parents from Superintendent Karla LaOrange. “In extreme cases, this has resulted in devices catching fire and evacuations of entire school buildings.” jQuery().ready(function(){var player = videojs(“hls-20250507141546”);}) video#hls-20250507141546{} The district is urging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of the trend and its consequences. According to the release, any student who engages in this behavior could face: The full cost of replacing the damaged school device. Disciplinary action in accordance with school policies. Possible criminal charges, including vandalism. LaOrange says a student at a District 91 school recently caused a computer to produce smoke, leading school officials to begin monitoring with the use of school-issued devices more closely. “Our school staff will also be monitoring devices more closely and reiterating these expectations with students,” says LaOrange.The post Local schools warn about social media trend encouraging students to light devices on fire appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com