Senior Director of Research Questions Effectiveness of Active Shooter Drills

Everytown, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending gun violence, has raised concerns about the effectiveness of active shooter drills in schools. Sarah Burd-Sharps, the senior director of research at Everytown, recently stated that there is limited evidence supporting the value of these drills in preventing school shootings or protecting the school community.

Active shooter drills have become increasingly common in schools across the United States in response to the growing number of mass shootings. These drills aim to prepare students and staff for potential emergencies and teach them how to respond effectively in crisis situations.

However, Burd-Sharps argues that there is a lack of research confirming the true effectiveness of these drills. She highlights the need for comprehensive studies to evaluate their impact on preventing school shootings and ensuring the safety of students and faculty.

Everytown’s concerns are supported by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), which suggests that active shooter drills may have unintended negative consequences. According to the NASP, these drills can cause significant distress and anxiety among students, potentially leading to long-term psychological harm.

Burd-Sharps emphasizes the importance of finding alternative approaches to school safety that are evidence-based and prioritize the well-being of students. She suggests that resources should be focused on implementing comprehensive violence prevention programs, improving mental health services, and addressing the root causes of gun violence.

The debate surrounding active shooter drills is likely to continue as schools grapple with the best strategies for ensuring safety in an increasingly dangerous world. It is crucial for policymakers, educators, and researchers to collaborate and conduct rigorous studies to determine the most effective methods of preventing school shootings while minimizing any potential negative effects on students.

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.@Everytown‘s senior director of research, Sarah @BurdSharps, on active shooter drills: “… there’s almost no research that confirms the value of these shooter drills either for preventing school shootings or for protecting the school community.”https://t.co/SrqkMZJocp

— Moms Demand Action (@MomsDemand) December 10, 2023

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@MomsDemand said .@Everytown's senior director of research, Sarah @BurdSharps, on active shooter drills: “… there’s almost no research that confirms the value of these shooter drills either for preventing school shootings or for protecting the school community.” youthtoday.org/2023/12/95-of-…

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