WatchWord · Ages 12-25 · In use
swatting
Making a fake emergency report so police or emergency crews rush to someone's home or school.
Did you hear that streamer got swatted live?
For parents and educators
It is a crime, not a prank, and teens in Canada have been charged and jailed for it. Police have linked recent swatting to online groups that recruit young people through games and chat apps. If your child talks about it as funny, take the time to explain how dangerous it is.
If you’re worried
If your child is being pressured by an online group, or knows about a planned threat, contact local police. Report online exploitation at Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from
Named after SWAT police teams. Has hit gamers and streamers for years, and lately Canadian schools.
Also heard as
swatted, swatter