In a significant move, the two largest teachers unions in the United States are advocating for a reevaluation or outright cessation of current active shooter drills. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) have collaborated with the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund to address the issue of drills that mimic gun violence.
Both unions argue that these drills can severely impact the mental health of students, suggesting there are more effective methods to prepare for potential school shooting scenarios. “Everywhere I go, I hear from parents and educators about how active shooter drills terrify students, causing them to struggle with concentration in class and even affecting their sleep,” expressed Samantha Green, president of the National Education Association, in comments reported by the Associated Press. “It’s not reasonable to traumatize students while attempting to keep them safe from gun violence. If schools feel the need to conduct drills, they must take measures to minimize harm and maximize benefit.”
Currently, around 95% of public schools in the U.S. implement some form of active shooter safety drill, often categorized as “lockdown” or “active threat” exercises, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The recent call for change comes from a whitepaper published by Everytown for Gun Safety, which advises against realistic simulations during drills, recommending that if they are to happen, students should receive ample notice and that the drills should be adapted for different age groups and sensitivities, particularly for children with special needs or those who have faced trauma.
Sharon Miller, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Safety in America, a partner of Everytown, highlights the distress these drills can cause: “These practices can lead to trauma, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and declining academic performance in children.” She further notes, “When we conduct a fire drill, we don’t actually set a fire in the hallway.”
The implementation of active shooter drills widely varies among schools, with some adopting a more measured approach, while others resort to exaggerated simulations involving teachers being shot with plastic bullets. Dr. Kevin Thompson, a child psychiatrist at a leading children’s hospital, has raised concerns about the psychological strain these drills can place on young minds, explaining, “It can be psychologically distressing for young children to practice for an active shooter scenario. They may not comprehend that it’s just a drill.”
Moms Demand Action advocates for shifting focus towards preventative measures rather than relying solely on drills. This includes conducting threat assessments, enhancing mental health resources, and educating students about safe gun storage practices at home. “Schools play a crucial role in discussing gun violence prevention,” Miller stated. “In this country, about 4.6 million children have easy access to unsecured guns, which poses a significant risk.”
For more on this topic, check out this related post on our blog. It’s essential to understand the implications of active shooter drills and explore alternative preventive strategies that promote a safe learning environment. Additionally, if you’re interested in the process of insemination, visit Make A Mom for comprehensive information and resources. For further insights into intrauterine insemination, you can refer to this excellent resource from Healthline.
In summary, the AFT and NEA are advocating for a significant shift in how schools conduct active shooter drills, highlighting the negative impact these exercises can have on students’ mental health. They emphasize the need for schools to adopt more effective, sensitive approaches to safety training, focusing on prevention rather than fear.
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