The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has formed an expert committee to conduct a consensus study on the impact of active shooter drills and school security measures on the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of K-12 students. In recent years, schools across the United States have widely adopted active shooter and lockdown drills as part of their security protocols, with added measures including metal detectors and police presence on campuses. While these security measures aim to prepare and protect, questions have surfaced regarding their effects on students, especially in terms of mental health and well-being. This study will assess these impacts and provide recommendations for policies and practices that consider children’s diverse needs and aim to minimize any potential adverse effects on students and school staff.
The study will focus on both short and long-term effects of active shooter and lockdown drills, looking closely at how these measures might influence students’ anxiety, stress levels, and overall behavior. An important aspect of the study is its emphasis on evaluating impacts across diverse groups of students, including those with disabilities, students of color, dual language learners, and children with special needs. The committee will investigate how these students, who may already face unique challenges, are affected by school security measures and how age factors into their experience of these drills.
The study and subsequent report is scheduled to be released to the public in Summer 2025 and is sponsored by The United States Department of Education.
The committee’s report will address questions including, but not limited to, the following:
- Known Mental Health Impacts: What evidence exists on the potential mental, emotional, and behavioral impacts of active shooter drills and security measures on students and school staff? The study will examine whether these measures, intended for safety, may unintentionally heighten stress or anxiety.
- Vulnerable Populations: The study will pay particular attention to students from vulnerable or underrepresented groups, assessing whether these security protocols disproportionately affect students with disabilities, Black and Latinx students, dual language learners, and other groups who might already face additional pressures in a school environment.
- Best Practices for Drill Implementation: To reduce potential adverse impacts, the committee will look at specific components and practices for conducting active shooter and lockdown drills. This includes evaluating how drills are conducted, the preparation and communication surrounding them, and the follow-up support provided to students and staff.
- Support Systems and Expertise Required: Effective implementation of school safety practices depends on adequate support and resources for staff and students. The study will recommend programs, staff expertise, and monitoring strategies that can support mental health resiliency and reduce the risk of negative psychological effects.
Recognizing that these security measures can have varying effects depending on a student’s age, background, and learning needs, the committee aims to provide nuanced, research-backed guidelines that schools can follow to ensure safety without compromising mental health. Findings will be drawn from listening sessions, current research, and direct feedback from students, parents, and educators. Interested individuals can explore recordings from past listening sessions to gain insight into the experiences and concerns that shaped the study’s framework.
The National Academies’ initiative responds to growing awareness around student mental health amid increasing concerns about school safety. The resulting report, expected to include actionable recommendations, could significantly shape how schools implement safety drills, balancing protective measures with the well-being of students and educators alike.
Click here for additional details and access to listening session recordings.