THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education
Board on Children, Youth, and Families
and
Committee on Law and Justice
Committee on the Impact of Active Shooter Drills on Student Health and Wellbeing
*****
Congressional Briefing
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
via Zoom
On
School Active Shooter Drills: Mitigating Risks to Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Health
At the request of Congress in PL 117-328, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, this new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores how active shooter drills in U.S. schools are conducted and how to reduce potential harm while supporting school safety. Developed by a committee of experts in education, school safety, public health, pediatrics, child and adolescent development, psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, public policy, and criminology, this report provides an in-depth review of current practices and offers guidance. The report provides suggestions for implementing practices that promote prevention and preparedness while supporting well-being, and foster learning environments where students and staff feel safe, capable, and supported.
This briefing was for members of Congress and congressional staff only. The report was publicly released on August 13, 2025 and can be found, in its entirety, on the Web site of the National Academies Press.