For years, California schools have conducted active shooter drills that, while intended to prepare students for emergencies, often left them emotionally scarred. Drills featuring graphic simulations and deceptive scenarios caused lasting harm, particularly to young children. With the passage of Assembly Bill 1858 (AB 1858), California is stepping up to reform these practices, ensuring preparedness while prioritizing mental health.

Key Dates for Implementation

AB 1858’s rollout begins in early 2025, with a phased timeline designed to give schools time to adapt. Critical milestones include:

• January 1, 2025: Schools must begin revising their emergency preparedness plans to comply with the law.
• March 1, 2025: The State Superintendent of Public Instruction must develop and post instructional continuity plan guidance, including strategies for continued academic and school engagement during emergencies, on the California Department of Education's website.
• July 1, 2025: All schools must implement the updated trauma-informed procedures.
• December 2025: The first state report assessing the law’s impact will be released, evaluating its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.

The Problem with Traditional Active Shooter Drills

Traditional active shooter drills have faced widespread criticism for their intensity and lack of oversight. From simulations involving fake gunfire to traumatizing role-play scenarios, students have reported nightmares and heightened anxiety following such drills.

AB 1858 explicitly acknowledges these issues, stating:

"School shooter drills in schools are associated with increases in depression, stress and anxiety, and physiological health problems... negatively impacting the psychological well-being of entire school communities."

Research from the Georgia Institute of Technology found that active shooter drills were associated with increases in depression (39%), anxiety (42%), and physiological health issues (23%).

What AB 1858 Brings to the Table

Introduced by Assembly Member Chris Ward and signed into law on September 24, 2024, AB 1858 bans high-intensity active shooter drills, such as those involving graphic effects, unannounced scenarios, or fear-based tactics.

Instead, the bill mandates trauma-informed practices, including:

• Age-appropriate approaches: Drills must align with students' developmental levels.
• Transparency: Parents and staff must be notified before drills take place.
• Mental health resources: Schools must provide follow-up counseling for anyone affected by drills.

The law emphasizes inclusivity, requiring accommodations for students with disabilities and those with trauma histories.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While AB 1858 represents a significant step forward in reforming active shooter drills, challenges remain in ensuring its full and effective implementation. Schools will need to design drills that align with the new trauma-informed standards, and some districts may struggle with balancing safety and emotional well-being.

Additionally, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network highlights the importance of adapting drills to the developmental levels of students, including those with disabilities or other vulnerabilities. Their guidance stresses,

"Safety drills should be announced. Announcing drills forewarns the school community and reduces the likelihood that people will become desensitized to unannounced drills and under-respond in an actual crisis situation when quick action is paramount."

Moving forward, schools will need to integrate these trauma-sensitive principles into their safety plans and ensure they have access to the mental health resources mandated by AB 1858. The transition to these new standards will be crucial in maintaining a safe yet supportive environment for students and staff alike.

Conclusion

California’s AB 1858 is a pivotal move in addressing the "active shooter drill" problem. By banning harmful practices and promoting trauma-informed alternatives, the state is setting a national example. As schools adapt to these changes, California demonstrates that safety and compassion can coexist in school emergency preparedness.