In today’s world, any possible threat has to be taken seriously — especially if it is connected to social media. That is why Dunkirk High School was correct to discipline a student who appeared in an image with an air gun, the district reported Tuesday morning.

“Administrators were notified of an image that is circulating of a student with an air gun while on school grounds. The school took immediate action after learning of the photograph,” according to a release from the district’s communications director, Jennifer Westerholt. Westerholt also confirmed the photo was circulated on social media, and the student in question has been removed from campus.

Some took to social media to criticize the district’s decision. Those dissenters have that right.

But a hot-button topic of school violence cannot be ignored. For the city district to look the other way would send the wrong message — the to the school and community.

For the record, the Student Code of Conduct defines firearms and weapons as “any device, including a starter gun or imitation pistol which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile.” An air gun, commonly used in target shooting, as toys, and as “beginner” guns for children can have the projectile force that can rival many conventional handguns, certainly fits that description.