Don’t Try This Trend: Keeping Kids Safe with Electronics and Social Media

There’s a video trend going around TikTok where kids are being told they can blow up their laptops by doing certain tricks—like messing with the battery or changing wires inside the device or inserting metallic objects like paper clips into the charging ports. Some videos show sparks or smoke. Others talk about "hacking" the device to make it explode or break.

These videos may look funny or cool to some kids, but they’re not safe. They show dangerous behavior and can lead to serious injuries, fires, or even get a child in trouble with their school or the law. 
 

Why would kids try a dangerous TikTok trend?

Social media can be a fun place to share videos, learn dance moves, or watch pets doing silly things. But it can also spread bad ideas—fast. Kids might try these things because:

•    They want to go viral or get lots of likes.
•    They think it's just a joke and won’t really hurt anything.
•    They see others doing it and don’t want to feel left out.
•    They don’t realize how dangerous it actually is.

As parents, it’s hard to keep up with every trend. But it helps to talk with your kids about what they see online—and how to tell if something is risky or unsafe.

>>Related: Your complete digital wellness toolkit

 

Messing with electronics can be very dangerous. Chromebook batteries are made with lithium-ion. If they’re damaged, they can catch fire, leak chemicals, or even explode.

Here’s what can happen:

• Burns: Batteries can overheat and cause burns.
• Fires: Damaged batteries can start fires at home or school.
• Smoke Inhalation: Breathing in battery smoke is harmful.
• Discipline: Kids can face school punishment or even legal trouble.
• Device Loss: Most Chromebooks are loaned by schools. Breaking them can mean having to pay for a new one or face other consequences as decided by your child’s school.

It’s not just about the device—it’s about your child’s safety and the safety of everyone around them.
 

Tips to talk to your child about digital safety

You can have honest talks about what they see online without fear or intimidation.

Try these tips:|

• Ask questions: “Have you seen any strange or risky trends on TikTok lately?” This shows you care and are curious—not just trying to lecture.
• Stay calm: If they admit they’ve watched something dangerous, stay calm. Thank them for being honest and talk through it.
• Teach thinking skills: Help them ask: “Does this seem safe? What could go wrong? Would I do this in real life?”
• Share the truth: Let them know what happens when devices are damaged. Show photos or videos of real-life battery accidents (age-appropriate, of course).
• Create space for talk: Keep phones and laptops out of bedrooms overnight. Spend a few minutes each day talking about their screen time—what made them laugh,
• what seemed weird, or what they learned.
   

It’s tempting to say “no more TikTok!” But the truth is, social media isn’t going away. Instead of banning it completely, we can teach kids to use it wisely.

Here’s how:

• Balance screen time: Set healthy time limits for TikTok, YouTube, and games. Make it a family affair with these 7 achievable tips.
• Follow good examples: Help them follow creators who teach fun, creative, or kind things—not just silly stunts or dangerous challenges.
• Teach digital footprints: Remind your child that everything they post, like, or comment on can be seen later. Employers, colleges, and others look at this!
• Praise good choices: When your child avoids a risky trend or reports something scary, praise them. That’s using real courage and common sense.

Electronic safety 101

Besides talking about social media, make sure your child knows how to stay safe with all electronic devices. Here are some rules of the road:

• Never open the device or remove parts unless a teacher or parent says it’s okay.
• Keep liquids away from laptops to prevent spills.
• Don’t use a laptop if it’s hot, smells strange, or has a swollen battery. Tell an adult right away.
• Charge it safely—use only the charger that came with it. Don't try to use other cords or tamper with it.
• Follow school rules about taking care of the device. It’s not a toy—it’s a tool for learning.

Guide kids in asking the right questions

It’s okay for kids to be curious, creative, and even a little silly online. But common sense and safety should always come first. Consider creating a questions checklist when in doubt: 

•    “Is this safe?”
•    “Does this help me or hurt me?”
•    “Would I be proud to show this to my teacher, grandma, or a police officer?”

Try asking: “What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen on TikTok? What’s the strangest? Did anything seem dangerous?”

You might be surprised what you hear But by having these conversations, you're helping your child grow into a kind, thoughtful, and safe digital citizen.