New York bans realistic active shooter drills in schools

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The New York State Board of Regents has banned realistic active shooter drills in schools, starting with the upcoming school year. The decision comes after years of advocacy from parents and lawmakers who argued that the drills were traumatizing children and normalizing violence. Instead of using actors or props to simulate an active shooter scenario, schools will be required to use "trauma-informed" and "age-appropriate" methods in their safety drills. These methods will focus on teaching students how to respond to emergencies in a way that prioritizes their safety and well-being. Schools will be required to notify staff, students, and parents about planned lockdown drills ahead of time. This measure aims to minimize fear and anxiety among students and their families. "