As schools across the United States resume classes, the grim possibility of a school shooting looms over the heads of students and educators alike. Lockdown drills have become a cornerstone of school safety protocols, but their psychological impact on students raises critical questions.
Understanding the Impact of Lockdown Drills
During a recent program, students from a Minnesota school shared their experiences with lockdown drills, noting that these exercises have become routine. Yet, there is an ongoing debate about whether this sense of normalcy is beneficial or harmful. Jillian Peterson, a psychologist and executive director of the Violence Prevention Project, delves into this issue by exploring the effectiveness and psychological ramifications of lockdown drills.
“Students will often say that they do feel more prepared,” Peterson notes. However, she also highlights the downside: “They will also say that they feel more anxious, more worried and more fearful that a school shooting is going to happen at their school.” This duality presents a significant challenge for educators.
Effectiveness Versus Emotional Well-being
The central dilemma faced by school districts is determining the balance between preparedness and the emotional toll on students. Peterson observes that, while some instances suggest drills may have prevented fatalities, other cases demonstrate that drills might not align with actual events, potentially causing more harm.
Moreover, the unsettling reality is that potential perpetrators often participate in these drills, gaining insight into the school’s response plans. This knowledge complicates the effectiveness of lockdown drills as a preventive measure.
Alternative Approaches to School Safety
Peterson emphasizes the need for trauma-informed drills and suggests several alternative strategies. Training adults and encouraging students to follow adult instructions during emergencies are key components. Furthermore, she advocates for a focus on prevention, noting that the most likely aggressors are students already within the school community, often exhibiting warning signs.
Implementing anonymous reporting systems and threat assessment teams are vital steps in prevention. Peterson also stresses the importance of teaching crisis intervention skills and fostering inclusive environments to prevent isolation, a common trait among potential perpetrators.
The conversation with Dr. Jillian Peterson highlights the complexity of school safety measures and the need for continued dialogue and innovation in addressing these challenges. For more information on this topic, listen to the full audio program available on NPR’s website.
