WORTH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Two students at Worth County High School are facing charges after the school district says they participated in a viral social media hoax that’s currently circulating.

The “Cat in the Hat” hoax is targeting schools all over the country, including some in south Georgia. It’s a viral trend involving “creepy” images of the Cat in the Hat threatening certain schools.

School officials say law enforcement has confirmed the posts are fake, non-credible, and simply designed to cause fear by encouraging students to share photos of their own schools, suggesting the Cat in the Hat may be targeting that particular school next.

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On Wednesday, Sept. 2, Worth County Schools posted on Facebook that two students at Worth County High chose to take part in this trend. Per school policy, police were immediately notified. Both students involved are being charged, and will also face disciplinary action, school officials say.

The students’ particular charges have not been released by law enforcement.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

• Talk to your kids - Discuss the serious legal and disciplinary consequences of participating in online hoaxes, threats, or disruptive social media trends
• Report. Don’t share - Remind students to report any safety concerns to a trusted adult, school administrator, or law enforcement official rather than reposting or sharing the content

RELATED>> Coffee County Schools addresses recent ‘creepy’ Cat in the Hat trend on social media

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