Menard ISD Warns Families About Viral ‘Cat in the Hat’ Social Media Trend

MENARD, TX — Menard Independent School District is working with law enforcement and warning students against sharing personal details online after officials became aware of a viral social media trend that uses edited and AI-generated images of the Cat in the Hat and, in some cases, names specific people, schools and locations. 

Superintendent Amy Bannowsky issued a letter Thursday to parents and guardians. The district said it had recently learned of content circulating on TikTok and other platforms commonly called the “Cat in the Hat” trend.

“The trend tries to intimidate which is a safety issue for the school and local law enforcement,” the letter said. It includes edited and AI-generated images of the character in suspicious situations. Some posts name individuals, schools, cities or neighborhoods or claim the character has been seen in a particular place.

“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students,” Bannowsky stated. “We are working in partnership with law enforcement about posts recently made.”

The district said even posts intended as jokes can create fear and expose students to unnecessary risks. Officials said they take all such posts seriously and will act as needed. 

The trend is tied to the 2003 live-action film starring Mike Myers. It traces back to a late-June TikTok video that paired a scene from the movie with a dark caption. Users have since edited film scenes to resemble horror footage or a person’s last known images and have used AI to depict the character as a monster in found-footage style. Some posts attach disturbing captions to otherwise lighthearted clips. 

Bannowsky listed safety guidelines for students: Do not publicly share another student’s or your own home address, school location, schedule or current whereabouts. Do not investigate, approach or meet anyone because of a social media post. Do not follow instructions from unknown accounts or repost threatening or unverified content for views. Block and report accounts that feel unsafe. Save evidence of a genuine threat and report it immediately to a trusted adult, school administrator or law enforcement. 

The district said it takes every safety report seriously. Students who receive a direct threat, are contacted by someone making threats, or believe someone is trying to locate or follow them should tell a parent or guardian and school or law enforcement officials at once.

“Students should never feel embarrassed or afraid to report something that concerns them,” the letter said. “We would rather investigate a concern that turns out to be harmless than have a student remain silent about something that could present a genuine safety issue.”