Schools and law enforcement authorities in the US are issuing warnings against a viral “Cat in the Hat” social media trend in which disturbing or AI-generated versions of the Dr Seuss character are used to threaten students, schools and communities.
The latest warnings come as safety concerns increase and several teenagers have been arrested or charged over posts connected to the trend.
The Cat in the Hat trend originated on Snapchat as images or short videos showing a disturbing version of the Cat in the Hat, often resembling the character played by Mike Myers in the ۲۰۰۳ live-action film, lurking outside homes, schools or on streets at night.
Some footage appears to be AI-generated, while other posts include real people wearing costumes. Additionally, some videos include threatening messages towards specific towns or schools. More disturbing versions named individuals or included lists of supposed targets.
The posts originally circulated in Ireland and the United Kingdom in August ۲۰۲۶ before quickly becoming viral in parts of the United States and Canada, the BBC reported.
Even though social media users view the trend as a hoax or prank, authorities are warning that causing people to fear for their safety could potentially constitute as criminal harassment.
Recently, near Wichita, Kansas, a ۱۵-year-old was arrested after allegedly posting a video on social media that made ominous threats toward students using the trend.
A statement shared by the Hutchinson police department said that during the investigation, officers determined that a ۱۵-year-old Hutchinson high school student created a TikTok account for that community referencing the Cat in the Hat trend. The juvenile was ultimately charged with two counts of criminal threat.
“Threats of any nature are taken seriously by the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School. Regardless of whether a post is intended as a joke, it is unlawful to cause others, particularly students, to fear for their safety,” the statement added.
Similarly, in Worth county, Georgia, two students at Worth county high school are facing charges after the school district said they participated in the viral social media hoax.
Both students involved are being charged, and will also face disciplinary action, school officials say.
Due to the potential threats caused by the trend, some school communities have also increased their police presence as a precautionary measure.
In a statement released by the Grand Junction police department in Colorado, it said that it increased its presence at West middle school and Grand Junction high school “out of an abundance of caution” after the circulation of a Cat in the Hat post. The post led to the arrest of a ۱۴-year old student.
As the trend continues to circulate, law enforcement authorities are urging students to report any safety concerns to a trusted adult, school administrator or law enforcement official rather than reposting or sharing the content.
