American Academy of Pediatrics issues new policy statement on active shooter drills
Pediatricians at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend eliminating student participation in high-intensity exercises that mimic gory events and are carried out without advance warning to students, staff. The release from the group says, "In response to mass shootings in schools and other public spaces in recent years, many school districts adopted live crisis drills and exercises intended to help students and staff respond in the event of a shooting incident. While well-intentioned, some drills were put into place with the intent of preparing adults without consideration of harm to children."
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) new policy statement, “Participation of Children and Adolescents in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises,” examines the potential benefits and harms of including children in crisis response scenarios. The policy, published in the September 2020 Pediatrics, recommends that children be included in exercises and drills in general only to the extent that they prepare adults to meet the unique needs of children during a crisis and further children’s own preparedness or resiliency.