Lockdown or active shooter drill? The distinction matters for children’s safety and well-being
Lockdown and active shooter simulations look and feel very different, though people often lump the two practices together.
The distinction between lockdown drills and active shooter drills is crucial for children's safety and well-being. While lockdown drills are common and mandated in most U.S. schools, active shooter drills vary widely in practice and have sparked controversy. Lockdown drills typically involve locking doors, turning off lights, and moving out of sight, aiming to provide a quick and calm response to various threats.
Active shooter drills, on the other hand, involve more intense simulations, including actors, mock gunfire, and fake blood or explosions. These drills are more controversial due to concerns about their psychological impact on students and teachers. Despite the high prevalence of lockdown drills, research reveals mixed results on their effectiveness, while little is known about the impact of active shooter drills.
The confusion between these two types of drills has led to misconceptions about what is practiced in schools, potentially causing undue anxiety among parents and students.
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