School shooting Anxiety: Are Active Shooter Drills Doing More Harm Than Good?

Schools should be places of learning, growth, and safety. Unfortunately, in today’s society, our students are living in constant fear for their lives. A recent tweet from the AAPI Victory Alliance has sparked a conversation about the impact of active shooter drills on student anxiety and mental well-being.

According to the tweet, these drills cause anxiety and make students feel like a school shooting is inevitable. This raises an important question: are active shooter drills doing more harm than good?

While the intention behind these drills is to prepare students and staff for a potential threat, the psychological toll they take on individuals cannot be ignored. The fear and anxiety induced by these drills can have long-lasting effects on students’ mental health.

Studies have shown that exposure to traumatic events, even in a simulated environment, can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. These symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and heightened arousal. For students who already struggle with anxiety or have experienced trauma in the past, these drills can be especially distressing.

Furthermore, critics argue that these drills may not be effective in preventing school shootings. While they can familiarize students with emergency procedures, they do not address the root causes of gun violence or provide comprehensive solutions to keep schools safe.

It is essential to find a balance between ensuring student safety and minimizing the negative impact of these drills. Schools should consider implementing trauma-informed approaches that prioritize emotional well-being and provide additional support for students who may be struggling.

In conclusion, while active shooter drills may be well-intentioned, it is crucial to recognize the potential harm they can cause to students’ mental health. Schools must evaluate their approach to emergency preparedness and prioritize the well-being of their students. Only then can we create an environment where students can learn and grow without the constant fear of a school shooting.

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“[Active shooter drills] cause anxiety and make us feel like a school shooting is inevitable.”

Schools should be places of learning, growth and safety. Instead, our students fear for their lives everyday. Our lawmakers have failed us.#EndGunViolencehttps://t.co/zw6Ckgrfj3

— AAPI Victory Alliance (@aapialliance) December 11, 2023

Source

@aapialliance said “[Active shooter drills] cause anxiety and make us feel like a school shooting is inevitable.” Schools should be places of learning, growth and safety. Instead, our students fear for their lives everyday. Our lawmakers have failed us. #EndGunViolence bit.ly/488fYi4

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