09/01/2026
Siloam Springs Families,
We want to make you aware of a viral TikTok trend involving AI-generated and digitally altered “Cat in the Hat” images and videos.
The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) notified schools about the trend after it raised school safety concerns across the country.
Posts often show a menacing, life-sized Cat in the Hat character near homes, schools, or windows. Some posts include school names, towns, student names, threatening captions, or claims about imminent harm.
DESE reports there is no credible or imminent threat connected to this trend.
Please take the following steps:
• Do not share or repost these videos or posts.
• If you see a post naming Siloam Springs Schools, one of our schools, or a student, take a screenshot.
• Report the content through the social media platform.
• Talk with your student about reporting concerning online content to a trusted adult.
Siloam Springs Schools is actively monitoring this trend and any content that may reference our schools, students, or community. Our School Resource Officers are aware of the trend and are included in our ongoing monitoring and safety efforts. We are also staying in communication with state safety officials and will take appropriate action if information develops that could affect the safety of our students or staff.
At this time, there is no known credible or imminent threat to Siloam Springs Schools related to this trend.
Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe.
