SMITHS STATION, Ala. (WTVM) – A viral TikTok trend using an AI-generated version of Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat to spread disturbing messages has reached Smiths Station High School, prompting a response from school officials and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Trend originated overseas
The trend started in the United Kingdom before spreading to the United States. It uses the AI-altered character to spread disturbing messages, and sometimes threats, aimed at specific schools or students. Smiths Station High School was targeted this week.
“I ain’t ever heard about it but keep it away from Smiths Station,” Kirk said.
Sheriff’s office investigates
The video was posted at Smiths Station High School earlier this week, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office became involved immediately.
“We have to take everything, something like this, we have to take it seriously. It is thoroughly investigated by our SRO teams and our school administration,” Harris said.
Lee County Schools and the sheriff’s office determined there was no direct or indirect threat tied to the videos as of now.
“We are, like I said, fully aware. Our faculty and staff have been trained when it comes to anything that looks suspicious, or how to react,” Harris said.
Extra security added
The trend also surfaced in Walker County, Alabama, this week, leading to extra security measures at school campuses there. Smiths Station added extra law enforcement at the high school and junior high school.
“Teachers, parents, the Lee County Sheriff’s that are at the school, take that more seriously,” Kirk said.
The trend has been compared to the 2016 viral clown trend, which featured people walking around in costumes. The Cat in the Hat trend is an AI-generated image.
“I just hate that that’s what, how social media tends to be used at times by people,” Harris said.
“TikTok, watch your challenges. Ice bucket challenge, that was one thing. Cinnamon challenge, that’s another thing, but Cat in the Hat?” Kirk said.
No students targeted locally
Through the Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigation, no specific students were singled out or threatened by the Cat in the Hat trend in Smiths Station. Other parts of the country have seen students’ names and addresses leaked.
The sheriff’s office is reminding people to be careful about what they post online and to continue alerting authorities of suspicious activity.
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