ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland schools will see significant changes to active shooter drills starting next year under newly issued state guidelines designed to minimize their psychological impact on students.
The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) announced these changes following the passage of state legislation earlier this year, which mandates less trauma-inducing practices, advanced parental notifications, and data collection on drill effectiveness. Parts of the guidelines, including bans on simulated gunfire and mandatory parent notifications, are already in effect under the law, with the full guidelines to be implemented in the 2025 school year.
“The mental health crisis that we see in our young people is undeniable,” said Delegate Jared Solomon, who sponsored the legislation in the Maryland House of Delegates. “As we normalize having to deal with school shootings, we are creating more anxiety and more issues among young people.”
The guidelines aim to strike a balance between preparing students and staff for potential emergencies and addressing concerns about the mental health impact of these drills. Active shooter drills became common after the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, but critics nationwide have raised concerns about their long-term psychological effects, prompting calls for reforms.
Trauma-Informed Adjustments
Under the new parameters, active shooter drills will no longer include elements like simulated gunfire or explosions. Schools will also tailor drills to be age-appropriate, recognizing that younger students may require different approaches than older ones.
“These are going to be part of a young person’s life for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t do them in a way that is both trauma-informed and age-appropriate,” Solomon said.
The guidelines recommend establishing mechanisms to pause or stop drills if necessary, as well as allowing students or staff who feel uncomfortable to opt out. Schools must also inform parents before and after drills to ensure transparency and foster trust.
Sen. Cheryl Kagan, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the need for thoughtful preparation. “The law that Del. Solomon and I sponsored and passed tried to walk the fine line of thoughtful preparation that isn’t traumatic,” Kagan said.
Unified Approach
The guidelines include a push for consistent terminology across school districts to prevent miscommunication during drills. They also call for diverse planning teams to coordinate the drills and conduct post-event analyses to identify improvements.
To further enhance community input, the MCSS will roll out a new survey developed by the National Center for School Mental Health in January. This survey will collect feedback from students, staff, and parents on the drills’ effectiveness and their emotional impact.
“The goal is not to create fear but to instill confidence and preparedness,” the MCSS stated in its guidance.
Parental Concerns and Legislative Drivers
The legislation and guidelines were partially motivated by incidents where drills caused confusion and panic among students and families. In one drill in Solomon’s district, parents received alarming texts from their children, unaware that the event was a drill.
“Families were literally getting texts from their kids saying, ‘I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again,’ and it was a drill. They didn’t know,” Solomon said.
Parents have also expressed frustration over insufficient communication from schools about when drills would occur and what they would entail. The new measures aim to address these concerns and allow parents to prepare their children in advance.
National Context
Maryland’s actions align with broader national efforts to reform active shooter drills. In April, President Joe Biden signed an executive order directing federal agencies to develop updated guidance on the topic.
Maryland’s updated guidelines include promoting open dialogue between staff and students about safety concerns, ensuring drills are inclusive and effective, and prioritizing mental health alongside physical safety.
By fostering collaboration among schools, parents, and the community, officials hope to create a safer, more supportive learning environment.