The Controversy Surrounding Active Shooter Drills in Schools

In recent years, the practice of conducting active shooter drills in schools has become a contentious topic. While these drills are intended to prepare students and staff for potential scenarios involving gun violence, a growing number of parents, educators, and mental health professionals are questioning their effectiveness and potential negative impacts on students’ mental health. A recent tweet by Russell Michaels highlights this debate, suggesting that such drills may be an overreaction to an infrequent problem, akin to the bizarre presentations on topics like the "choking game" that schools have previously conducted.

Understanding the Purpose of Active Shooter Drills

Active shooter drills are designed to enhance preparedness in the event of a shooting incident. Their primary objective is to:

1. Educate Students and Staff: These drills aim to inform students and staff about the necessary steps to take during an active shooter situation, such as lockdown procedures or evacuation routes.
2. Improve Response Time: Regular practice can help improve the response times of both students and law enforcement, which is crucial in a real-life emergency.
3. Promote Awareness: Drills can also raise awareness about the potential for gun violence in schools, encouraging a culture of safety and vigilance.

   However, the effectiveness of these drills is being scrutinized, as their psychological impact on students is increasingly coming into focus.

   The Psychological Effects of Active Shooter Drills
   

   Critics argue that active shooter drills can have detrimental psychological effects on students. Here are some key points to consider:

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4. Increased Anxiety and Fear: Frequent drills can instill a sense of fear and anxiety in students, making them feel unsafe in their educational environment. Research indicates that students who participate in these drills may experience heightened levels of stress and panic.
5. Desensitization: Repeated exposure to the concept of an active shooter may lead to desensitization, where students become numb to the seriousness of the issue. This could diminish their ability to respond appropriately in an actual crisis.
6. Impact on Learning: The stress associated with the fear of violence can detract from students’ ability to concentrate on their studies, potentially affecting their academic performance.
   

   Comparing Active Shooter Drills to Other Educational Presentations
   

   Michaels draws a parallel between active shooter drills and the controversial presentations on the "choking game," a phenomenon that gained attention in the early 2000s. These presentations aimed to educate students about the dangers of a dangerous trend that resulted in only a handful of deaths annually. Critics argue that the emphasis on such rare events can lead to unnecessary panic and misallocation of educational resources.

   The Argument for Alternative Approaches
   

   In light of the potential negative impacts of active shooter drills, many advocates are calling for alternative approaches to ensure student safety without compromising their mental well-being. Some of these alternatives include:

7. Focus on Mental Health Support: Instead of drills, schools could prioritize mental health resources and support systems to address the underlying issues that may contribute to violence.
8. Community Engagement: Building strong relationships between schools and local law enforcement can facilitate communication and collaboration, allowing for a more cohesive approach to safety without inducing fear in students.
9. Crisis Management Training: Educators and staff can receive training on crisis management and conflict resolution, equipping them with the skills to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations before they escalate.
10. Emergency Preparedness Plans: Rather than conducting drills that may traumatize students, schools can develop comprehensive emergency preparedness plans that involve simulations and discussions with staff and law enforcement.
    

    The Role of Policy Makers
    

    For any change to occur, policy makers must recognize the need to address the potential harms associated with active shooter drills. This requires:

11. Reviewing Current Policies: Schools should evaluate the effectiveness of their current safety protocols and consider the psychological implications of their emergency preparedness strategies.
12. Incorporating Research: Evidence-based practices should guide policy decisions, ensuring that any safety measures implemented in schools are supported by research into their effectiveness and impact on student well-being.
13. Engaging Stakeholders: Involving parents, educators, mental health professionals, and students in discussions about safety measures can lead to more balanced and effective approaches.
    

    Conclusion
    

    The debate surrounding active shooter drills highlights the complex intersection of safety, education, and mental health. While the intention behind these drills is to protect students, it is crucial to consider their psychological effects and explore alternative methods that promote a safe and supportive learning environment. As highlighted by Russell Michaels, the focus should shift from fear-driven practices to proactive measures that prioritize the well-being of students, ensuring that schools remain places of learning and growth rather than anxiety and dread.

    By fostering open dialogue and prioritizing mental health, we can create a balanced approach to school safety that equips students with the knowledge they need without compromising their emotional well-being.

Active shooter drills are bad, actually.

Just like the presentation on the choking game was.

Yeah, the joke on “South Park” was a real presentation schools across the nation subjected high school students to.

For like three deaths a year.

A panic with an overcorrection. https://t.co/EgT4sBRbtH

— Russell Michaels, Momotaros (@TGBED8v8) March 23, 2025

Active Shooter Drills Are Bad, Actually

When we think about the safety measures schools have implemented in recent years, one topic that often comes up is active shooter drills. There’s a growing conversation around this issue, especially among parents and educators. The sentiment, as echoed in a recent tweet by Russell Michaels, is that “active shooter drills are bad, actually.” This viewpoint opens the door to a deeper exploration of the effectiveness, psychological impact, and societal implications of such drills.

With the alarming rise in school shootings, the instinct to protect students is undoubtedly strong. However, the methods we use to prepare for these tragic events warrant scrutiny. Are we truly preparing our kids, or are we inadvertently causing more harm than good?

Just Like the Presentation on the Choking Game Was

Many may remember the infamous “choking game” presentations that became a staple in schools across the U.S. These sessions, designed to educate students on the dangers of asphyxiation games, often had unintended consequences. As Russell Michaels points out, the presentation was not just a joke on “South Park”; it was a real-life concern that led to widespread discussion and panic among parents and students alike.

In the same vein, the active shooter drill is becoming a modern-day equivalent of that choking game presentation. Instead of fostering a sense of preparedness, these drills can instill fear and anxiety in students. The notion that they must constantly be on alert for a potential shooting can be overwhelming, particularly for younger children who may not fully grasp the situation.

Studies have shown that repeatedly exposing students to scenarios involving violence can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. In this context, we must question whether the psychological toll of these drills outweighs their intended benefits.

Yeah, the Joke on “South Park” Was a Real Presentation Schools Across the Nation Subjected High School Students To

If you’re not familiar with the “South Park” episode that satirizes the choking game, it pokes fun at the absurdity of how schools address dangerous behaviors. The joke may have been exaggerated for comedic effect, but it draws attention to a real issue: schools sometimes prioritize sensational education over practical safety measures.

In the case of active shooter drills, the same underlying principle applies. Rather than addressing the root causes of school violence, such as mental health issues and accessibility to firearms, schools often resort to drills that create a false sense of security. By focusing on these drills, we may overlook the more systemic issues that contribute to school shootings.

Critics argue that rather than empowering students, these drills can lead to desensitization. When students are repeatedly exposed to the idea that they are in danger, they may become numb to the reality of such threats, which can be dangerous in its own right.

For Like Three Deaths a Year

Statistics reveal a stark reality: while the fear of school shootings looms large, the actual occurrences are relatively rare. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were only about three school shootings that resulted in death per year on average over the past decade. This statistic raises important questions about whether the measures being taken are proportional to the actual threat.

In an effort to combat fear, schools have implemented these drills, yet the actual likelihood of a shooting happening remains low. This disproportionate response can be viewed as a societal overcorrection. The extreme fear surrounding school shootings often leads to policies that can be more harmful than helpful.

The narrative surrounding school shootings tends to overshadow other significant issues that students face daily, such as bullying, mental health struggles, and substance abuse. By prioritizing active shooter drills, we may be neglecting the broader context of student well-being and safety.

A Panic with an Overcorrection

The phrase “a panic with an overcorrection” perfectly encapsulates the current landscape of school safety. The societal anxiety stemming from high-profile shootings has led to a knee-jerk reaction, resulting in the implementation of measures that may not effectively address the problem at hand.

What if, instead of focusing on drills, schools invested in mental health resources and support systems? By creating an environment where students feel safe to express their concerns and seek help, we could address the underlying issues that lead to violence in schools.

Moreover, engaging students in constructive conversations about safety, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence could be a more effective way to foster a sense of security. This approach not only prepares students for potential dangers but also equips them with the tools to navigate their emotions and relationships in a healthy way.

Reassessing the Role of Active Shooter Drills

In light of these considerations, it’s crucial to reassess the role of active shooter drills in our schools. While the intention behind these drills is to protect students, we need to evaluate their effectiveness critically. Are they truly preparing our kids for the worst-case scenario, or are they fostering an environment of fear and anxiety?

It’s time for educators, administrators, and parents to engage in an open dialogue about the best practices for ensuring student safety. This means looking beyond drills and exploring a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted nature of school violence.

If we can shift our focus from fear-based tactics to comprehensive safety strategies, we may find that students not only feel safer but are safer. By fostering a culture of empathy, support, and understanding, we can create an environment where students thrive instead of merely surviving.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

While the conversation surrounding active shooter drills is complex, the insights shared by Russell Michaels highlight an important truth: there’s a growing recognition that we need to rethink our approach to school safety. The acknowledgment that “active shooter drills are bad, actually” isn’t merely a critique; it’s a call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to reconsider how we prepare our children for the future.

By focusing on mental health, conflict resolution, and open communication, we can pave the way for a more effective and compassionate approach to school safety. It’s time to move past fear and embrace a future where students can learn and grow without the shadow of anxiety looming over them.

In this ongoing conversation, let’s prioritize the well-being of our students and recognize that safety is about more than just drills; it’s about creating an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and secure.