Active shooter drills have become a standard practice in nearly all U.S. schools, yet their potential impact on students and educators has received limited attention. School Active Shooter Drills: Mitigating Risks to Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health explores how these drills are conducted and how to reduce potential harm while supporting school safety. Developed by a committee of experts in education, school safety, public health, pediatrics, child and adolescent development, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, public policy, and criminology, this report provides an in-depth review of current practices and offers guidance. The report provides suggestions for implementing practices that promote prevention and preparedness while supporting well-being, and foster learning environments where students and staff feel safe, capable, and supported.

Read the Report here: https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/29105/school-active-shooter-drills-mitigating-risks-to-mental-emotional-and

Webcasts of the National Academy Listening Series: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/perspectives-on-the-impact-of-active-shooter-drills-and-other-school-security-measures-a-listening-session-series

Call to Action: 

• The report recommends that schools adopt trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches for active shooter drills that balance physical, emotional, and psychological safety. 
• The report also urges state legislatures and education agencies to prohibit the use of deception and high-intensity and high-sensorial simulations that can cause undue stress and emotional harm to the students who participate. 
• The report discourages the use of hyper-realistic simulation exercises.
• Please share this information generously with emergency managers, teachers, school districts, policy makers and law enforcement.

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