AI-generated ‘Cat in the Hat’ sparks school safety warnings

Law enforcement agencies across the country are warning parents about a viral social media trend involving unsettling AI-generated images of “The Cat in the Hat,” sometimes paired with threatening captions aimed at schools, students and specific locations.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said it is aware of the Cat in the Hat social media content involving St. Johns County schools and is investigating.

The agency said no credible threats have been identified at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office said it is working with St. Johns County school district officials “to ensure the safety and security of all school campuses.”

“Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased law enforcement presence on school campuses across the county,” the sheriff’s office said.

The ‘Cat in the Hat’ trend

Across platforms including TikTok, users have shared grainy or altered-looking images and videos of a sinister version of the Dr. Seuss character in public places or near buildings.

While many posts appear to be meant as dark humor or an attempt to go viral, some include captions that reference specific schools, communities or individuals — which law enforcement agencies say can prompt fear, disrupt school operations and trigger investigations.

‘No credible threat’ in St. Johns County

In a message sent to parents Monday, St. Johns County School Superintendent Brennan Asplen said the district is monitoring the AI-generated “Cat in the Hat” content.

The district said it is reviewing any content involving St. Johns County schools with the Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools.

“At this time, no credible direct or indirect threat has been identified,” the district said.

The district said schools would operate as scheduled.

Law enforcement: Don’t repost it — report it

Agencies are asking families not to share or repost the images, saying that can help the content spread further.

Its a trend that has spread all across the country.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oklahoma, in a community awareness message, encouraged people who see posts that appear to contain a specific threat toward a school, student, employee or location to:

• Take a screenshot of the post if possible
• Do not share or repost the content
• Report the post to the social media platform
• Notify local law enforcement or school officials

In Kentucky, the Nicholasville Police Department said a minor was identified and charged with help from the FBI in connection with posts tied to the trend.

What parents can do

Law enforcement agencies and school officials encourage parents and guardians to talk with children about what they’re seeing and sharing online — and to take any posts that mention specific targets seriously.

If you see a post that appears to include a specific threat:

• Screenshot it
• Report it to the platform
• Notify school officials and/or law enforcement