In a troubling sign of our times, schools are now incorporating ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ tactics into their safety protocols for elementary students. The concept emerged following the devastating events at Columbine and Sandy Hook, where 40 innocent lives were lost. As parents, we’ve grown accustomed to lockdown drills, but a new initiative has raised significant concerns regarding its appropriateness for young children.
Recently, an email from the principal of my child’s elementary school announced the introduction of a ‘Lockdown with Options’ protocol. This strategy includes three choices: run, hide, or fight. The principal explained that while previous drills focused on ‘hiding in place,’ many experts now advocate for a more proactive approach. Though the idea of self-defense may seem logical, applying it to children in grades K-5 feels deeply troubling.
Let’s pause to consider the implications. Young children, some as young as five, are being asked to make the harrowing decision of whether to flee, conceal themselves, or confront an armed intruder. While I recognize that the school does not expect a five-year-old to face an attacker alone, the essence of ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ is designed for adults.
Many parents might support any measures that could enhance our children’s survival chances during a potential school shooting. Yet, with the recent increase in mass shootings, active shooter drills seem to be a grim reality that won’t fade away. However, these are still children—kids who should be focused on learning simple tasks like tying their shoes, not grappling with life-or-death scenarios.
My seven-year-old son, for instance, is more accustomed to meeting friendly mascots like McGruff the Crime Dog and learning about stranger danger, not preparing to barricade doors against intruders. We’ve become desensitized as a society to the fact that such disturbing preparations are being routinely taught to children.
I don’t blame the schools; they are striving to keep our kids safe in a world where mass shootings quickly leave the headlines. It’s a daunting challenge, and they lack the luxury of maintaining the status quo.
The message from the school emphasized that the information was not intended to alarm or frighten students, yet the very subject of school intruders should be distressing to everyone involved—students, parents, and communities alike. When will we collectively address the underlying issues and implement real change in gun control?
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In summary, the introduction of ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ tactics for young students highlights the alarming reality of gun violence in schools. As a society, we must confront these issues and seek meaningful solutions to safeguard our children’s future.