Swatting used to be something that happened in schools as a means of correcting bad behavior. Some school principals had a large wooden paddle prominently displayed in the office that was used for such a purpose. It was almost legendary, as it was highly polished and had holes drilled in it to allow it to be swung harder without wind resistance.

It didn’t get used frequently, but often enough that we all knew it was more than just a threat. So, now, we have a new terroristic action being called “swatting.” The term is derived because it is meant to cause such panic as to call out police SWAT teams in response to it.

It is another cowardly, stupid action done by people that could very easily cause harm and even death to responders and the targets of the so-called swatting.

This week, many school districts across Pennsylvania were victimized by this dumb prank. Like internet warriors who are so tough while hiding behind their computer keyboards, the criminals performing this swatting are foolish, ignorant people with little or no regard to what they could cause.

It may have been as simple as trying to get school canceled for the day, or maybe it was more sinister, and the person behind this wanted to see how the emergency responders would react. How much firepower did the police respond with? What other potential targets were left unguarded while all the resources were sent to the schools? This most likely was a fool displaying how sad an excuse for a human they are, but it needs met with the strongest punishment possible.

If not, it will most likely spread and become more frequent. This can’t become another “boys will be boys” response.

If the perpetrators are caught, they need the 2023 equivalent of the principal’s paddle. You decide what that may be.

Public lashing isn’t acceptable in our country, but oh, the temptation.

—RV