5 Ways Parents Can Help Kids Feel Safe During and After DepEd Active Shooter Drills
Here’s how families can help children feel secure without increasing fear during the active shooter drills being rolled out.
The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to introduce active shooter drills in public schools following the tragic Tacloban school shooting that claimed the lives of three students. While the move aims to improve emergency preparedness, mental health professionals stress that these drills must be conducted with care.
Psychologist AJ Sunglao warns in an interview with Inquirer, “Realistic simulations involving screaming, fake gunshots, or mock weapons can cause genuine psychological distress,” especially for children who have experienced trauma. He also emphasizes that schools should keep drills “age-appropriate” and “trauma-informed,” so emotional safety is protected alongside physical preparedness.
For many parents, the news is understandably unsettling. But while we wish our children never had to think about violence, today’s reality means preparing them with calm, honest guidance is often kinder than leaving them unprepared.
How Parents Can Support Their Children After Active Shooter Drills
Start with an open conversation.
Ask your child how the drill made them feel. Let them rant, feel afraid, cry, and be angry. Sometimes, they may mention aggressive behaviors—but remember that it comes from a need to survive. Not to actually maim someone.
Offer reassurance.
Remind them that drills are practice, much like fire or earthquake drills, designed to help everyone stay safe during emergencies.
Keep explanations age-appropriate.
Younger children don’t need graphic details. Older children may benefit from honest but reassuring discussions about school safety.
Watch for lingering stress.
Difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, or reluctance to attend school may signal that your child needs additional support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, guidance counselors, or a mental health professional if concerns persist.
Stay in touch with other parents in the community.
Active shooter drills are a community effort. Some parents may have access to more insider information or know people in the school’s administration. Staying in touch with them ensures your concerns have a better chance of being heard—especially if the active shooter drill is starting to stress your children too much.
A Painful Reality
No parent wants to imagine violence reaching the classroom. Yet shielding children completely from difficult realities isn’t always possible.
What parents can do is help children build confidence instead of fear. Preparedness should never come from panic—it should come from trust, calm communication, and knowing that caring adults are there to protect them.
Experts also emphasize that schools share this responsibility. Drills should avoid frightening theatrics, provide advance notice, and ensure emotional support is readily available. Safety isn’t only about knowing what to do in an emergency—it’s also about protecting children’s mental well-being before, during, and after the drill.
When families and schools work together, children learn an important lesson: courage isn’t pretending danger doesn’t exist. It’s knowing they’re not facing it alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drills are part of new school safety measures following the June 2026 Tacloban school shooting.
Yes. Psychologists warn that highly realistic simulations may trigger anxiety or retraumatize vulnerable students.
Yes. A calm, age-appropriate conversation can help children understand that the drill is a safety exercise.
Experts recommend that schools allow students with existing mental health concerns to opt out or receive appropriate support.
That the drill is about staying safe—not about expecting something bad to happen—and that trusted adults are there to protect them.
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DepEd to Require Active Shooter Drills in Schools as Campus Safety Measures Increase
Mental Health in Schools: DepEd Hires More Guidance Counselors
DepEd Rolls Out Active Shooter Drill To Improve School Safety
