Emergency drills are teaching students new vocabulary words. Students are learning such words as ‘shooter’, ‘barricade’, ‘lockdown’, silence, and many more as they practice specific drills. These drills may very well be scaring students in addition to preparing them. Children in schools more and more receive training to prepare them for school shootings. However, there is a thin line between anxiety or fear, while they train the process of safety.
Planning Emergency Drills
Schools who conduct active shooter drills/emergency drills react quickly. Everyone knows what to do. They do not freeze nor have a decision to make. Today, nine out of ten public schools drill students and staff on how to respond, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Unfortunately, this is the new normal.
However, studies show that shooter/emergency drills increase anxiety and fear among students. Also, they contribute to a negative school culture. These drills create a preoccupation with students that are vulnerable. In addition, the drills give insight on how an attack is more effective.
Talking to Children
It is difficult to explain to children the necessity of a lock down drill. They must know that they are protected.
• Keep explanations developmentally appropriate and simple.
• It is important to stay calm. Children will react as they see an adult’s reaction.
• Answer questions. Do not meet questions with opposition or negativity. Be open and provide students with an understanding that the more they practice, the safer they are.
• Ask questions. Inquire about the process.
• Use a comparison. Compare the drill with a familiar drill they have see or done previously.
• Let children know they always have the option of run and hide if they are not in the classroom and there is danger. If at school, follow the teacher’s instructions.
• Make sure children know to report suspicious activity. Tell an adult if they hear or see something unusual.
Talking about an incident is most helpful to children when they hear of an event or are involved in a school shooting. If there is the possibility that a child heard about an incident, leading a conversion is important. To keep all children safe is a school’s major concern.
