09/01/2026
BSISD WARNING;
Big Spring ISD Warns Families After TikTok Post Mentions Students
BIG SPRING — Big Spring Independent School District officials are warning families about a potentially dangerous social media trend after a TikTok post mentioning several local students prompted an investigation Monday morning.
Superintendent Jay McWilliams said he learned of the post at approximately 6:45 a.m. The investigation was turned over to Big Spring High School administrators and the district’s safety and security director.
After reviewing the post, district officials determined it was not a credible threat but appeared to be connected to a nationwide “Cat in the Hat” trend circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms. The trend uses artificial intelligence-generated images of the character in suspicious or intimidating situations.
Every student named in the post was called to the school office, and administrators contacted their parents to explain the situation.
The district’s safety director also contacted the Big Spring Police Department and provided officers with information received from the parent who initially reported the post. Police investigated the incident and will continue monitoring the situation.
In a separate safety alert, the district warned that participating in viral online trends can carry serious consequences. Officials urged parents to speak with their children about online challenges involving trespassing, wearing masks or disguises to frighten others, and approaching homes or individuals.
“Viral does not mean harmless,” the district said. “What may seem funny or harmless online can have dangerous consequences.”
The district warned that inappropriate posts could result in school disciplinary action, a police investigation or possible criminal charges. Students were also reminded not to enter or remain on another person’s property without permission and never to participate in a social media challenge that could endanger or frighten someone.
Anyone who sees or receives a threatening post should not repost or circulate it. Instead, the information should be immediately reported to school officials or law enforcement.
“We take every post or threat seriously and will always thoroughly investigate every instance this occurs in our district,” McWilliams said.
Threats may be reported by calling 432-264-2244.