Active shooter drills have become a common practice in U.S. Schools—95% of public K–12 schools conduct them, and many states mandate their use. However, there is little consistency in how drills are implemented or in how schools communicate about them. Practices vary widely, often without clear guidance on how to minimize the potential harms to the mental, emotional, and behavioral health of students and staff. The National Academies’ forthcoming consensus report, School Active Shooter Drills: Mitigating Risks to Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health, examines how school active shooter drills and broader school security measures affect school climate and individual wellbeing, and offers recommendations to help schools reduce potential harms while supporting safety.

The National Academies’ Board on Children, Youth, and Families and Societal Experts Action Network will co-host a summit to further explore the findings and recommendations of this consensus report. This summit will bring together state and local decision-makers, intermediaries, and experts in school safety and mental health to explore effective strategies for supporting the mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs of students and staff. Through expert panels and collaborative tabletop discussions, participants will examine how schools can implement practices that promote prevention, preparedness, and overall wellbeing—fostering learning environments where students and staff feel safe, capable, and supported.

This summit takes place in lecture room 100.