Lockdown or active shooter drill? The distinction matters for children's safety and well-being
School shooting preparedness drills have been a routine, though uncomfortable, part of the back-to-school experience. Since the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, various kinds of preparedness drills have been mandatory in most schools.
The distinction between lockdown and active shooter drills is crucial for children's safety and well-being. Since the 1999 Columbine shooting, most schools conduct these drills annually, with 37 states mandating them as of 2025. Lockdown drills typically involve locking doors, turning off lights, and staying silent until given the all-clear.
These drills aim to build familiarity and response speed, with or without armed assailant simulations. Active shooter simulations, however, often include fake blood, bullets, and nonlethal projectiles, raising concerns about their psychological impact. While research is inconclusive on their effectiveness, lockdown drills show promise in reducing fear and improving preparedness.
High-intensity simulations, though restricted in some states, are a contentious issue, with mixed findings on their benefits and potential harms.
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