Arvin Union School District warn families about ‘Cat in the Hat’ social media trend

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Arvin Union School District Superintendent Georgia Rhett sent out a notice about the recent “Cat in the Hat” social media trend, with a post including the school district’s schools.

The message warns parents that they or their child should not share or engage with a social media trend involving the “Cat in the Hat.” The message said the district will work with law enforcement and pursue charges against anyone who creates or participates in the posts.

The notice to parents said:

District staff have been made aware of a social media trend involving pictures and videos of a scary version of the “Cat in the Hat” cartoon character. Social media posts place the character near schools or community locations, name specific schools, or suggest that the character is “coming” to a particular location.A recent post includes Arvin Union School District schools. The Arvin Police Department has been notified, and Kern High School District and Arvin High School are also aware of this post.While these posts may be intended as jokes, pranks, or attempts to gain attention, anything that creates fear or disrupts our safe learning environments will be taken seriously. We will continue to work with law enforcement to address concerning activity appropriately.Our Safety Expectation: Don’t Share It. Report It.Please know we will report and file charges against anyone initiating or taking part in such trends which spread unnecessary worry.If you or your child sees this type of content, do not repost, forward, or comment on, or participate in it. Please take a screenshot and report it to the district office, a school administrator, or law enforcement directly.Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.

Earlier this month, Kern High School District and Bakersfield police investigated social media threats toward Bakersfield High School and found them not credible.

Also during September, Taft Union High School District said there was no credible threat tied to a “Cat in the Hat” social media trend implying activity at or involving its campus.