New York State Bans Realistic Active Shooter Drills in Schools

New York State has announced a ban on realistic active shooter drills in schools, following concerns raised by parents, activists, and lawmakers about the potential trauma these drills can cause to students. The decision, made by the New York State Board of Regents, aims to create a safer and less distressing environment for students during safety drills.

The new regulations prohibit the use of actors, props, or any depiction of violence in these drills. Instead, schools are now required to implement “trauma-informed” and “age-appropriate” methods to prepare students for potential active shooter scenarios. These methods are designed to teach students how to respond to emergencies without inducing fear or anxiety.

Schools will also need to notify parents and guardians at least one week in advance of any planned lockdown drills. This measure is intended to reduce the element of surprise and allow families to prepare their children mentally for the drill. The new rules will take effect in the upcoming 2024-25 school year and apply to all schools across the state, including nonpublic institutions. 

The changes come after a long-standing debate about the effectiveness and psychological impact of active shooter drills. Many of the concerns by parents were echoed by the belief that the drills, while intended to prepare students for emergencies, often result in heightened anxiety and fear among children.

Senator Andrew Gounardes, who is sponsoring additional legislation to reduce the number of mandatory lockdown drills from four per year to two, praised the Board’s decision. He stated, “Our current approach to school lockdown drills does more to traumatize kids than keep them safe. The Board’s newly-adopted regulations are an important step toward changing that.”

Despite the rise in gun violence across the country, data shows that school shootings remain relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of the over 44,000 annual gun deaths in the United States. 

The ban on realistic drills is part of a broader effort to address the psychological well-being of students while maintaining safety protocols in schools.

The recent decision in New York follows similar moves in other regions, aiming to balance the need for preparedness with the mental health considerations of students. As schools prepare to implement these new guidelines, parents, educators, and policymakers continue to discuss the best ways to keep students safe without causing undue harm.