The Relentless School Nurse: Our Children Should Never Have to Save Each Other

This week in Minneapolis, another community was shattered by gunfire in a place that should be the safest haven for our children—school. Among the stories emerging from the tragedy is that of a 10-year-old boy whose life was spared because his classmate flung himself over him, shielding him from the bullets. That young hero, a child himself, was shot in the back.

The image is unbearable, but repeats over and over again: our children making warrior choices when they should be playing on playgrounds, having lunch with friends, or studying for tests. No developmental milestone should ever include sacrificing one’s body to stop a bullet. And yet, here we are—counting on our children not just to “know what to do” in active shooter drills, but in their split-second instincts when unimaginable violence erupts. 

The young boy who spoke about his experience talked about active shooter drills in his school. They were frequent, but did not prepare him for this horrific event, because most drills focus on classroom attacks. Of course, we cannot prepare for all horrific scenarios, and I am not suggesting that preparation is not important. But preparation is not prevention; it is reactive and often performative. 

What are we doing to our children? We weave lockdown drills into the rhythm of a school day—lessons interrupted by rehearsals based in fear that leave scars we cannot see but that children carry in their minds and hearts. 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a groundbreaking consensus paper on active shooter drills in schools. Their findings, published in the last few weeks, should be required reading for every educator, school staff member, policymaker, and parent:

• • Center Student Wellbeing: Drills must minimize psychological harm and be trauma-informed.

  • Choose Awareness Over Simulation: Use calm, informative approaches instead of hyper-realistic drills with fake gunfire, actors, or surprise scenarios.

  • Ensure Developmental Appropriateness: One size does not fit all—content should be tailored to age and maturity.

  • Evaluate and Adjust: Schools should monitor mental health effects and adapt accordingly.

  • Embed into Comprehensive Safety Plans: Drills are only one element; broader prevention strategies, threat assessment, and mental health supports are critical.

  • Engage Families and Staff: Transparency and communication reduce fear and build trust.

The consensus paper urges us to stop retraumatizing kids in the name of safety. But what safety are we offering, really? The 10-year-old in Minneapolis was not saved by a drill, or a protocol, or a policy. He was saved by the body of a friend who was willing to be wounded for him. That is a child’s courage meeting our adult failures.

We cannot drill our way out of this crisis. We cannot place the responsibility for survival onto small shoulders. Our duty, as the adults in the room, is prevention. That means addressing the epidemic of guns and violence in this country with the same urgency as any other public health emergency. I certainly do not need to remind the readers of this blog of two jarring truths:

1. Gun violence is the leading cause of death in children/teens ages 1-17, and has been since 2021.
2. There are more guns than people in this country by almost 100 million.

Say the names of the victims and survivors, not the killers, hear the stories, honor the heroism of children—but do not look away from the truth. If we continue to accept schools as battlegrounds, we will continue to force our children into impossible choices.

Children deserve classrooms filled with joy, discovery, and the sound of pencils scratching across paper—not gunfire, not lockdown drills, not rehearsals for horror.

It’s time we stop asking, How do we prepare children for school shootings?  Instead, we must ask—relentlessly—how do we stop school shootings from happening at all?

Actions to Prevent and Respond to School Shootings: 

Here are effective actions communities can take to prevent school shootings, support recovery, and foster trauma-responsive safety for all students.

Prevention & Safety Culture

• Promote Secure Gun Storage: Community groups can run campaigns and urge local school boards to inform families about safe storage of firearms, a proven strategy to reduce shootings involving youth. End Family Fire provides clear guidelines for secure storage practices that can be promoted in schools through education and resolutions. 

• Build Supportive School Climates: Encourage initiatives that make schools welcoming, inclusive places where students feel safe to talk to trusted adults and peers. 

• Support Mental Health Services: Advocate for school-based mental health resources and local partnerships to ensure that children in distress are identified and supported early.

• Encourage Violence Prevention Programs: Volunteer with or provide funding for programs that teach conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and inclusion, reducing risk factors for violence.

• Report and Share Concerns: Educate the public about recognizing and reporting warning signs of distress or violence through trusted reporting systems or hotlines.

Recovery & Healing

• Promote Open Dialogue: Sponsor community forums and safe spaces for discussion, allowing students, families, and staff to share, listen, and support each other after traumatic events.

• Organize Recovery Events: Plan wellness days, service projects, or remembrance activities to support unity and healing in the aftermath of tragedy.

• Leverage Partnerships: Work with local mental health professionals, faith leaders, and support organizations to expand trauma-informed resources and outreach.

• Return to Routines: Help schools and families resume their familiar routines after a shooting, providing flexible support while avoiding overwhelming the community with continuous interventions.

Advocacy & Education

• Push for Policy Change: Engage in advocacy for commonsense gun safety laws, expanded funding for prevention programs, and requirements that schools notify families about safety procedures.

• Educate the Public: Share trusted resources and host educational sessions on mental health, trauma, and violence prevention in schools and community centers.

• Support and Include Youth Voices: Encourage youth leadership in safety planning, violence prevention, and peer support initiatives.

By working together—school nurses, parents, educators, community members, mental health professionals, and local leaders—whole communities can build safer, more supportive environments and help prevent tragedy before it happens.

Community Resources for School Safety & Prevention:

These organizations provide research, support, and action steps for anyone committed to preventing violence and protecting children in every community.

1. CHOP Center for Violence Prevention — Gun Safety Program

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Violence Prevention offers evidence-based gun safety education, free safe storage devices for families, and resources on preventing gun injuries among children and youth. Their approach includes trauma-informed support and partnerships with schools and communities.

2. Everytown for Gun Safety — School Safety Plan

Everytown researches school shootings, analyzes data on gun access, and publishes state-by-state safety recommendations. This in-depth guide outlines critical steps for families, schools, and communities, including how secure gun storage and threat reporting can save lives.

3. End Family Fire

A campaign from Brady and the Ad Council focused specifically on preventing “family fire”—shootings involving an improperly stored or misused gun found in the home. The site includes safe storage checklists, conversation starters, and resources for both adults and youth.

4. Be SMART for Kids

A public awareness program offering practical, nonjudgmental guidance to encourage responsible gun storage in homes where children live or visit. Materials include printable tip sheets, videos, and community advocacy ideas.

5. National Child Traumatic Stress Network: School Shooting Resources

Trauma experts provide downloadable guides for parents, students, and school staff on healing after school shootings, responding to trauma, and supporting resilience in children.

6. Everytown Survivor Network

A national community for individuals, families, and advocates affected by gun violence, offering support groups, storytelling opportunities, and resources for long-term recovery and activism.

7. American Academy of Pediatrics — Gun Safety

AAP provides facts, safe storage guidance, science-based policy recommendations, and printable safety materials tailored for families and pediatricians.