(WKYT) – Flemingsburg Police Department Chief Daniel Pollock released a statement Sunday, Aug. 30, addressing the “Cat in the Hat” social media trend.
In some versions of the trend, Pollock said accounts using the name or likeness of the children’s character have circulated lists naming Kentucky schools and individual students.
The posts, circulated on TikTok, Snapchat and other platforms, have included language suggesting that the character is “coming for” those students, according to Pollock, as well as AI-generated images or videos.
After reviewing information available to the Flemingsburg Police Department, Pollock said they found no reason to believe there is a credible threat to Fleming County Schools or to any school, student and staff member in the community.
“That finding does not mean this matter is being dismissed,” Pollock said. “Any communication that names schools or students and uses threatening or intimidating language is taken seriously.”
School resource officers, school administrators and staff have reviewed the information, continued to monitor it and will follow established threat-assessment and safety protocols.
While police found no credible threat, Pollock said they understood that such content can cause genuine fear. Pollock encouraged families and students to take the following steps to address the situation:
- Save screenshots of messages, images, friend requests or posts that name children, their school or make them feel unsafe, and immediately report it to a school administrator, school resource officer or the Flemingsburg Police Department
- Do not share personal information online, such as last names, addresses, school schedules, bus stops or current locations
- Do not try to contact, confront or investigate the account or person behind the post, and instead report it to law enforcement or school officials
- Families can talk with their children about the difference between a “viral prank” and a real threat, and encourage them to go to a trusted adult if something online makes them uneasy
Anyone with information, questions or concerns that need to be reported can contact Fleming County dispatch by calling 606-845-2121. People can also directly report concerns to schools or a school resource officer.