A group of high school students in China has sparked widespread online discussion after ingeniously cracking the code of a classroom phone safe using chalk dust — a method inspired by a suspense novel.
Clever plan inspired by a novel
The incident took place at a boarding school in Shenzhen, where strict rules prohibit students from possessing mobile phones on campus. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the students applied chalk dust to the keypad of a classroom phone locker to identify which numbers had been pressed most frequently.
By examining the fingerprints left behind, the students were able to deduce the correct combination and open the safe where confiscated phones were stored.
How the plan unfolded
As detailed in a disciplinary notice issued by the school on December 10, the plan was executed on November 14 with the involvement of several classmates. One student smeared chalk dust on the locker’s password dial, while another successfully cracked the code and shared it with others.
A third student recorded the process on video, which later circulated on social media, fuelling the story’s viral spread. Using the decoded combination, another student opened the safe and retrieved the phones.
School action and policy response
Following the incident, school authorities summoned the students involved and imposed disciplinary action in line with internal regulations. A school representative, quoted by the Chongqing Daily News Group, confirmed that the institution has enforced a “no mobile phones on campus” policy for many years.
To prevent similar incidents, the safe’s password was changed and the locker was relocated to the teachers’ office for added security.
Social media reacts with humour and admiration
The episode triggered lively debate on Chinese social media platforms. While some users criticised the breach of school rules, many expressed admiration for the students’ ingenuity.
One commenter wrote, “It is great to see students thinking critically. Reading more books really does help.” Another added, “The school isn’t entirely wrong, but you have to admit these kids are impressive and proactive.” A third joked that the students should consider applying to police academies.
A wider conversation on discipline and creativity
While the students were punished for violating school rules, the incident has also raised questions about balancing discipline with creativity. Many online users noted that the students were not stealing phones, but reclaiming their own property — albeit through mischievous means.
The viral story has since become an example of how curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a bit of daring can sometimes challenge authority — and capture the internet’s imagination.