09/01/2026
COMMUNITY AWARENESS: SOCIAL MEDIA SCHOOL THREAT TREND
The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a recent social media trend commonly referred to as the “Cat in the Hat” trend. Similar posts have circulated online naming or referencing schools, communities, and students in a threatening manner.
We want our students, parents, school staff, and community members to understand the seriousness of creating or sharing this type of content.
Any creation, reposting, sharing, or distribution of threatening content involving a Chesterfield County school or any other schools outside of Chesterfield County will not be tolerated. Even when someone claims a post was created as a joke or part of an online trend, sharing threatening content has the potential to create fear, disrupt school operations, divert law enforcement resources, and cause unnecessary chaos within our community.
If you encounter a post threatening or referencing violence toward any schools:
• DO NOT repost, share, or circulate the content.
• Preserve the original post, username, account information, and any other available information.
• Immediately notify law enforcement and the appropriate school administration.
Students should understand that participation in a social media trend does not remove responsibility for what they create, post, or share. This trend, similar online trends, and ANY threat made toward our schools, students, or staff will be taken seriously and investigated to the fullest extent. Criminal charges can/will be pursued.
Parents and guardians, please speak with your children about the consequences associated with creating or sharing threatening content online.
If you see something concerning, report it. Do not help spread it.