WASHINGTON — A recently released congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has highlighted the urgent need for a unified policy and research framework aimed at safeguarding the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of students and school staff during active shooter drills. The report lays out recommended practices for minimizing potential harm and provides guidance to help schools better understand and protect the well-being of children and adolescents while preparing for emergencies.
Active shooter drills have become increasingly common across U.S. schools as incidents of school shootings continue to raise public concern. Although many states now require schools to conduct such drills, the report notes that there is considerable variation in how these drills are defined, structured, and implemented. Importantly, the impact of these drills on the mental and emotional well-being of students has not been thoroughly studied. The committee emphasized that their analysis does not address the effectiveness of drills in preventing physical harm during an actual shooting; rather, the focus is on minimizing psychological and behavioral risks.
“Every parent sends their child to school expecting them to return home safely,” said Richard J. Bonnie, Harrison Foundation Professor of Medicine and Law Emeritus at the University of Virginia and chair of the committee that produced the report. “Yet there are still many unanswered questions regarding the potential risks associated with active shooter drills. Our goal is to equip school leaders with evidence-based guidance to ensure the well-being of both students and staff.”
Strategies to Reduce Psychological and Behavioral Risks
The report strongly recommends that schools adopt trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches to conducting active shooter drills. These strategies should balance physical safety with emotional and psychological security, recognizing that overly intense or deceptive drills can create unnecessary stress and emotional harm.
Key recommendations include prohibiting the use of deception, high-intensity simulations, and overly realistic scenarios that could distress students. Schools are encouraged to announce drills in advance, avoid hyper-realistic sensory exercises, and implement follow-up support to address any emotional or behavioral effects. By following these guidelines, schools can better protect student and staff mental health while still fostering preparedness for emergency situations.
Considerations for Implementation
The report acknowledges that schools operate with significant autonomy at state, district, and local levels, which can result in inconsistent practices. To address this, the committee advocates for coordinated, cross-sector efforts to ensure schools have the resources, training, and support needed to implement trauma-informed practices effectively.
At the federal level, agencies such as the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraged to issue guidance that aligns with best practices for emergency preparedness while prioritizing the well-being of students. Congress is also urged to allocate funding for school safety initiatives, violence prevention programs, and initiatives that promote positive school environments. Similarly, state and local governments, as well as school boards, should invest in programs that support these objectives.
Ensuring accessibility is another priority. Policymakers and administrators should make active shooter drills inclusive for all students, including those with disabilities or functional needs. This requires proactive planning and guidance to integrate accommodations into emergency preparedness measures. Philanthropic organizations, advocacy groups, private sector partners, and universities are also encouraged to support research and development of best practices, ensuring that drills consider the needs of all students and staff.
Training and Support for Law Enforcement
The report emphasizes that effective policy alone is insufficient. Any law enforcement officer assigned to work in schools should receive specialized training to operate within educational environments. Officers should be prepared to respond in a developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed manner, prioritizing the mental, emotional, and behavioral welfare of children and adolescents. Researchers, nonprofit organizations, and law enforcement agencies are encouraged to collaborate on evaluating and enhancing school resource officer training programs to ensure they align with the unique needs of school communities.
Addressing Research Gaps
A major concern highlighted in the report is the lack of comprehensive research examining the causal effects of active shooter drills on student health and well-being. To address this gap, the committee identified several research priorities and opportunities for improving existing data infrastructure. Enhanced research can help policymakers, educators, and public health officials make more informed decisions and implement evidence-based practices that protect the well-being of all school stakeholders.
The study, conducted by the Committee on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills on Student Health and Well-being, was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Its findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to emergency preparedness in schools—one that integrates safety planning with consideration for the emotional and psychological needs of students.
National Academies: Guiding Policy Through Science
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit organizations that provide independent, objective advice to the nation. Operating under a congressional charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the Academies offer guidance on complex problems and inform public policy decisions in science, engineering, and medicine. This latest report exemplifies their mission, combining rigorous scientific analysis with practical policy recommendations to enhance the health and safety of school communities.
Looking Forward
As school shootings remain a pressing concern, this report provides a roadmap for schools, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies to implement active shooter drills that minimize harm while maintaining preparedness. By adopting trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches, providing accessible accommodations, and investing in research and training, schools can create safer and more supportive learning environments.
The committee’s findings highlight that school safety extends beyond physical measures. Mental and emotional well-being must be central to planning and execution of drills, ensuring that students and staff feel supported and protected. By integrating these recommendations into everyday school practices, educators and policymakers can work toward a more holistic approach to safety—one that balances preparedness with care for the psychological and behavioral health of school communities.
In conclusion, this report marks an important step toward rethinking how schools approach emergency preparedness. Its guidance emphasizes the importance of a coordinated, evidence-based strategy that not only protects students physically but also nurtures their mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Moving forward, continued research, inclusive practices, and cross-sector collaboration will be essential to creating school environments where safety and well-being coexist, allowing students to thrive both academically and personally.
Leave a Reply