Why Some Communities Want to Rethink Intruder Drills in Schools
When a child comes home from school and casually mentions practicing how to hide from a “bad guy,” it’s hard not to feel a pang of unease. Intruder drills—also known as lockdown or active shooter drills—have become a routine part of school safety protocols in many countries, especially in the U.S. But a growing movement led by parents, educators, and mental health professionals is asking a difficult question: Do these drills do more harm than good?
The Rise of Intruder Drills
Lockdown drills gained traction after high-profile school shootings like Columbine (1999) and Sandy Hook (2012). The goal was straightforward: prepare students and staff to respond quickly in case of an emergency. Today, drills vary widely. Some involve simple discussions or low-stress practices, while others simulate realistic scenarios with loud noises, fake gunfire, or even actors posing as shooters.
But as drills became more intense, concerns about their psychological impact began to surface. Stories emerged of young children crying, older students experiencing panic attacks, and teachers feeling unequipped to manage fear in the classroom. Critics argue that while preparedness is important, the methods used in many drills may inadvertently traumatize the very people they’re meant to protect.
The Case Against Traditional Drills
Those advocating to end or reform intruder drills highlight three primary issues:
1. Trauma and Anxiety
Research shows that repeated exposure to stressful simulations can heighten anxiety in children, even if they understand the drill isn’t real. A 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open found that students who participated in high-intensity drills showed increased rates of depression, stress, and fear of death. For children already dealing with trauma or anxiety disorders, these exercises can be retraumatizing.
2. Mixed Effectiveness
Proponents of drills argue they save lives, but evidence of their effectiveness is murky. Real-world attacks are chaotic and unpredictable, and critics say rehearsing specific responses (like barricading doors) might not translate to actual emergencies. Worse, some fear drills normalize the idea of school shootings, desensitizing students to violence or even inspiring copycat behavior.
3. Equity Concerns
Not all schools conduct drills the same way. Wealthier districts might invest in counseling support or age-appropriate training, while underfunded schools often lack resources to address the fallout. This disparity means marginalized students—already at higher risk of experiencing trauma—may bear the heaviest emotional burden.
What Do Supporters of Drills Say?
School administrators and safety experts often defend drills as a necessary evil. “We don’t want to scare kids, but we have a duty to keep them safe,” says Michael Dorn, a school safety consultant. Many argue that drills, when done thoughtfully, empower students with life-saving skills. For example, the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol—taught in some drills—has been credited with helping adults survive mass shootings.
However, even supporters acknowledge room for improvement. “The key is balancing preparedness with psychological safety,” explains Amanda Nickerson, a school psychology professor. “Drills shouldn’t feel like a surprise horror movie.”
Alternatives to High-Intensity Drills
If traditional intruder drills are problematic, what’s the solution? Communities pushing for change suggest several alternatives:
– Trauma-Informed Drills
Modify exercises to reduce fear. This might mean avoiding simulations with fake weapons, giving advance notice to parents, or focusing on calm, age-appropriate discussions. Younger children, for instance, could practice “quiet games” instead of hiding from an imaginary intruder.
– Focus on Prevention
Many school shootings are committed by current or former students. Investing in mental health resources, threat assessment programs, and community support could address root causes of violence. Programs like Sandy Hook Promise’s “See Something, Say Something” encourage students to report concerning behavior without relying solely on drills.
– Collaborative Safety Planning
Involve teachers, students, and parents in creating safety protocols. When communities have a say in how drills are conducted, they’re more likely to balance practicality with empathy.
– First Aid Training
Teach students and staff skills like bleeding control, which could save lives in any emergency—not just shootings. This approach focuses on empowerment without instilling fear.
Real-World Shifts
Some states are already rethinking their policies. In 2023, Maryland passed a law requiring schools to notify parents before drills and banned simulations using fake weapons or role-playing attackers. Similarly, schools in Oregon and Colorado now prioritize “announced” drills that focus on procedure over shock value.
Internationally, countries like Canada and the U.K. take a less intense approach to school safety, favoring fire-drill-style practices without graphic scenarios. Their lower rates of school violence suggest that preparedness doesn’t have to come at the cost of student well-being.
The Path Forward
The debate over intruder drills reflects a broader dilemma: How do we protect kids without robbing them of their sense of safety? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the conversation is shifting toward solutions that prioritize both physical and emotional security.
Parents and educators can advocate for transparency by asking questions like:
– How often does our school conduct drills, and what do they involve?
– Are mental health resources available if a student feels upset?
– Can we pilot alternative safety strategies?
For now, the goal isn’t to eliminate preparedness but to reimagine it. By focusing on prevention, collaboration, and compassion, schools can create safety plans that don’t sacrifice kids’ mental health in the name of protection. After all, a school’s job isn’t just to keep children safe from danger—it’s to help them grow into resilient, confident adults. And that starts with ensuring they feel secure today.
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