Participation of Children and Adolescents in Live Crisis Drills and Exercises

This American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement clarifies that children and adolescents should only be include in exercises/drills when their involvement is not harmful to them and improves their readiness/confidence in real life events. The article advises against deception in drills and “high-intensity active shooter drills” (explained in the article). The policy also offers some considerations regarding the practice of active shooter drills in schools and child care programs, provides recommendations for adapting drills to accommodate children’s unique vulnerabilities.