Claims pupils identifying as cats at school branded 'false rumours'

A video appearing to show human waste on a toilet floor was shared alongside claims children were protesting over not having litter trays.

Claims Banff Academy pupils are identifying as cats branded ‘false rumours’ by Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Council

Claims that children at a secondary school are identifying as cats and requesting litter trays in the toilets are “false rumours”, a council has said.

Posts on social media with a video appearing to show excrement on a cubicle floor caused a stir among members of the Real Banff and Macduff Community Group on Facebook.

It was accompanied by rumours that pupils at Banff Academy were defecating on the floor in protest over not being provided with litter trays.

But Aberdeenshire Council has branded the claims as misinformation.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of false rumours circulating online suggesting that Banff Academy has pupils identifying as cats requesting litter trays in the Academy’s toilets.

“It is disappointing to see this rumour continue to spread, however both Aberdeenshire Council and Banff Academy continue to focus on the well-being and education of our children and young people.”

One Twitter user suggested documentary-maker and journalist Louis Theroux should have a look at the situation.

But the rumours appear to be the latest instance of a viral trend that started in the US in 2021.

Claims that American students were “identifying as cats” spread among various school communities and forced authorities to take action against the misinformation.

The hoaxes have continued with high-profile figures sometimes being duped causing them to receive even more attention.

But news outlets, fact-checkers, and academics have debunked the claims often referred to as “the litter boxes in schools hoax”.

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