MAYSVILLE, Ky. (Mason County Post) — Mason County school officials are investigating a circulating social media trend that uses AI-generated “Cat in the Hat” imagery and messages to name local schools along with first names of students and staff.
In a statement released this morning, Mr. Faulkner of Mason County Families said the trend—primarily appearing on TikTok and Snapchat—has spread nationally, across Kentucky, and into the local region. The posts list schools and individual names in a format that has raised understandable concern among families.
“While there is no reason to believe there is a credible threat to our school, staff, or students, we have been working closely with Mason County Sheriff’s Department (through our school SRO) along with Chief Boggs at Maysville Police Department to investigate,” the statement read.
Full Public Statement
Mason County Families:
This morning, we were made aware of a viral “Cat in the Hat” social media trend (mostly seen on TikTok and SnapChat) that has been making its way around the country, our state, and our region. This trend uses AI to generate images and messages under the guise of “Cat in the Hat” to circulate lists naming schools and student/staff first names, which can understandably cause concern.
While there is no reason to believe there is a credible threat to our school, staff, or students, we have been working closely with Mason County Sheriff’s Department (through our school SRO) along with Chief Boggs at Maysville Police Department to investigate.
We appreciate those who have brought this to our attention and encourage our students and families to screenshot and timestamp any questionable messages or images that mention our school or our students. Immediately report those messages and images to Maysville Police Department at 606-564-9411.
If you have specific information or evidence that any of our students are feeding into this trend, please let us know immediately and they will be held accountable by our school and by local law enforcement.
Thank you for your continued support!
- Mr. Faulkner
Officials thanked community members who reported the posts and asked families and students to document any questionable messages or images that reference Mason County schools or individuals. They recommended taking screenshots with timestamps and immediately reporting them to the authorities.
The statement also warned that any students found to be participating in or feeding the trend will face consequences from both the school and local law enforcement. Families with specific information or evidence were urged to contact school officials right away.
School leaders emphasized their ongoing coordination with law enforcement and expressed appreciation for the community’s continued support.
Residents who encounter related content are encouraged to preserve evidence and report it promptly to the Maysville Police Department at (606) 564-9411.