It seems like there is a new security threat in the news every day, and schools are continuously faced with the formidable task of ensuring student safety. In my last two blog posts, we discussed well-known problems that affect students. School shootings and bullying are extremely serious threats that are most often discussed in terms of security measures and threat prevention. However, lesser-known threats such as swatting also pose a very real danger to our schools and students.
As a school security assessor, I observe security measures already in place and recommend additional threat mitigation tactics to help keep our schools and students safe. With that responsibility comes understanding less commonly discussed threats like swatting. I help school administrators determine the best security measures to combat swatting and how they can be applied to protect our children.
Swatting is a relatively new concern sweeping the nation and gaining fast attention as an extremely serious and dangerous threat to our schools. But what is swatting, and how can we protect our children? Read on to learn more about swatting, its consequences, and how to prevent this phenomenon.
What is Swatting?
Swatting is a prank call to emergency services that aims to send an armed response (or “SWAT”) team to a targeted location. The act of swatting puts innocent lives at risk and leads to the unnecessary use of important first responder resources, including dispatchers' time and effort, due to false emergency calls.
Swatting has existed since the early 2000s. In more recent years, information about swatting has become more widespread, and swatting has increasingly targeted schools. Swatting against another student or an entire school can often stem from student retribution. Swatting incidents against schools also tend to trend upward following a significant event, such as a school shooting that has made nationwide media. This can be due to an individual desiring infamy and not necessarily due to a specific vengeance.
The mental health of students can be significantly affected by swatting incidents. Swatting against a school can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and fear. Swatting victims, and potentially those involved in the lockdown or evacuation of a school, may also have trouble sleeping and concentrating. At the very least, it's a day of learning lost for students and teachers, only to be replaced with worry and confusion. Swatting can also cause school staff and students to be less vigilant in an actual emergency.
Addressing Swatting
Any threat toward an individual or the entire school is considered extremely dangerous and must be taken seriously. When a threat is reported, the school should immediately initiate a lockdown to ensure complete safety and wait for the police to respond. In conjunction with the school administration, police will determine whether the call was legitimate or fabricated and begin an investigation to identify the caller.
In 2023, a student in Central Virginia initiated a swatting call by sharing false information about a threat against the high school he attended. Just one week before this incident occurred, the Governor of Virginia signed a bill that increased the consequences of swatting in the Commonwealth. Swatting is now a felony in Virginia that can be punished by imprisonment and fines, and the student who suggested the threat was charged.
In response to the growing number of swatting calls, similar to the actions of Virginia’s Governor, lawmakers nationwide are working to develop legislation that addresses swatting. Many states are enacting legislation to increase swatting charges from misdemeanors to felonies, with more severe charges in the event of an injury or death resulting from a swatting threat.
How Schools Can Protect Against Swatters
Schools should have a plan to help protect against swatting threats. The following measures are essential for schools to implement to prevent, respond to, and mitigate swatting incidents.
- Proactive and layered security measures: Installing security cameras and monitors and having security officers patrolling the school grounds can be effective and proactive tools for threat protection. This approach enables thorough monitoring of the school grounds inside and out, covering areas that may not be seen with camera angles and helping to distinguish between real emergencies and false swatting calls.
- Policies and procedures: A clear plan that designates staff responsibilities during an emergency response is crucial for an event to end quickly and safely. Ensure that school consequences for those responsible for a swatting event are swift, consistent, and detailed within school policy.
- Work closely with local first responders: Schedule drills with law enforcement at least once per school semester to practice lockdown procedures during an emergency response. Ensure that all local first responders have the most recent blueprint layout of the school, including exterior parking. Floor plans should be re-issued to first responders whenever the building layout changes. Assign designated employees within the school to share information with first responders in case of an emergency response.
- Online awareness during school hours: Social media is a popular platform for students to make threats. If students have access to social media during the school day, online threats can be made, triggering a swatting incident. Implementing a secured Wi-Fi system accessible only to staff is crucial to mitigating internet usage during school hours. Strict enforcement and daily monitoring of security protocols on school-issued devices are also essential.
- Educate students, staff, and parents: During regular faculty meetings, discuss swatting to educate staff about the issue. The discussions should cover how to report suspicious behavior, appropriate responses to swatting, staff roles during an emergency, and how to communicate expectations to students if a lockdown occurs due to a swatting threat. It's essential to ensure that all students and staff participate in emergency preparedness drills, including lockdown drills. Be sure to also communicate with parents about swatting incidents and educate them about the consequences of such an act.
Final Thoughts
Schools must remain vigilant in planning and preparing for crisis events, ensuring everyone involved has the knowledge, training, and skills to respond appropriately to actual or threatened violence. Safety in our schools is a constantly evolving concern and priority. Together, we can make our schools the safest place for our children.
