The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (the National Academies) will convene an ad hoc committee of experts to conduct a consensus study on the impact of active shooter drills and other school security measures on student mental, emotional, and behavioral health and wellbeing. The committee will consider potential effects on children and youth in grades K-12, as well as those with disabilities. The report will include recommendations on policy and practice that take children's diversities into consideration and minimize potential adverse effects for students and school staff. The committee's report will address questions including, but not limited to, the following:
1. What is known about the possible mental, emotional, and behavioral health effects (either long- or short-term) on students and school staff resulting from active shooter/lockdown drills and related school security measures (e.g., metal detectors, police presence)?
2. What is known about potential effects on students with disabilities, Black and Latinx children, dual language learners, children with special needs, as well as those belonging to different age groups?
3. What are the components, criteria, and/or features of active shooter/lockdown drills, as well as best practices and procedures both leading up to and following the drills that can promote resiliency and minimize adverse mental, emotional, and behavioral health effects on children, youth, and school staff?
4. What supports, school programs, and staff expertise are needed in order to implement, monitor and evaluate the best practices identified?