Balancing Preparedness and Well-Being in School Safety Drills
School safety drills have become a routine part of life in nearly every U.S. public school. With almost 95 percent of schools conducting lockdown or active shooter drills, the goal is clear: prepare students and staff for emergencies. Yet, there is no national standard guiding how these drills should be designed or carried out. This lack of uniformity leads to widely different approaches, some of which may harm student well-being even as they aim to improve safety.
Understanding how to balance preparedness with emotional health is essential for schools, families, and communities. This post explores the current landscape of school safety drills, the challenges they pose, and best practices that protect both safety and mental health.
The Purpose and Types of School Safety Drills
Lockdown drills are designed to prepare students and staff for any immediate threat inside a school building. These drills focus on simple, clear actions:
Locking doors securely
Turning off lights
Staying out of sight
Remaining quiet
When conducted calmly and communicated in advance, lockdown drills help students and staff feel more confident and ready to respond.
Active shooter drills often go beyond lockdown procedures. They may include options-based training such as:
Running to safety
Hiding effectively
Fighting back if necessary
Some schools use realistic simulations involving actors, fake gunfire, or even fake blood to create a sense of urgency. While these drills aim to build “muscle memory,” research shows mixed results on their effectiveness and impact.
The Psychological Impact of Realistic Drills
Studies reveal that highly realistic or deceptive active shooter drills can cause fear, anxiety, and lasting emotional distress among students. Some students have reported avoiding school after participating in such exercises. This is especially true for:
Younger children
Students with disabilities
Students with prior exposure to violence
For these students, dramatic simulations can undermine the sense of safety that schools should provide. Experts warn against applying a military mindset to school safety, emphasizing that children learn best in environments that feel stable and supportive.
A 2025 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found limited evidence that active shooter drills improve safety. The report also highlighted the potential psychological risks, urging schools to reconsider how drills are conducted.
Best Practices for Safe and Supportive Drills
Schools can prepare students and staff effectively without causing harm by following these best practices:
Calm and Clear Communication
Announce drills in advance and explain their purpose to reduce fear and confusion.
Involve Mental Health Professionals
Include counselors or psychologists in planning and debriefing to support students’ emotional needs.
Post-Drill Debriefing
Provide time for students and staff to discuss their feelings and ask questions after drills.
Tailor Drills to Age and Needs
Adjust the complexity and intensity of drills based on students’ age and any special needs.
Engage Families
Inform parents and guardians about drill procedures and offer resources to help children cope.
Focus on Positive School Climate
Build trust and connection within the school community to strengthen overall safety.
Physical security measures like secure entrances and surveillance systems complement these practices but cannot replace the need for thoughtful drill design.
Examples of Effective Drill Approaches
Some schools have adopted approaches that balance preparedness with well-being:
A middle school in Oregon conducts lockdown drills with clear announcements and no surprise elements. Staff guide students calmly through the steps, and counselors hold group discussions afterward.
A Texas elementary school uses story-based drills that teach children what to do without simulating violence. This method reduces anxiety while still preparing students.
A high school in New York offers optional active shooter training for older students, focusing on decision-making and situational awareness rather than physical simulations.
These examples show that schools can prepare students effectively without causing unnecessary distress.
Moving Forward with Thoughtful Safety Planning
School safety is a priority that requires careful planning and sensitivity. Drills should build confidence and readiness, not fear or trauma. By adopting calm, transparent, and supportive practices, schools can protect both the physical and emotional well-being of their students.
Families and educators should work together to advocate for drill policies that respect children’s needs and promote a safe learning environment. When safety drills are done right, they empower students and staff to respond effectively while maintaining the school as a place of security and trust.
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