Safety Alert: Please Talk with Your Student About the “Cat in the Hat” Social Media Trend

Good Afternoon GHS Families,

Gilmer ISD is communicating with local law enforcement and is aware of the social media trend being referred to as the “Cat in the Hat” trend that is circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms.

While some online trends may appear to be funny or harmless, participating in certain challenges can have serious real-world consequences. We are asking parents to please take a few minutes to talk with your child about making safe and responsible choices online.

Please remind your child:

• Do not enter or remain on someone else’s property without permission.
• Do not wear masks or disguises for the purpose of frightening or intimidating others.
• Never participate in a social media challenge that could place you or someone else in danger.
• Remember that actions posted online can have real-world consequences.

We encourage you to remind your child that something that may seem like a joke or harmless prank online can quickly become a situation involving law enforcement, school consequences, property damage, or harm to another person.

As always, if you or your child sees something suspicious or concerning, please say something and report it to a trusted adult, school administrator, or law enforcement official.

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students and community safe. Please talk with your children, encourage them to think before they participate, and remind them to make good choices both online and in our community.

Thank you for your continued support of Gilmer ISD!