Psychiatric Groups Urge DepEd to Defer Live Active Attack Drill, Recommend Trauma-Informed Alternatives
In a joint position statement, the two professional organizations acknowledged the importance of strengthening preparedness and safety measures in schools. However, they emphasized that the methods used in conducting drills involving active attack incidents should be trauma-informed, evidence-based, and appropriate for children and adolescents.
“The conduct of a simulation of a live shooter attack drill should be deferred,” the PPA and PSCAP said.
The groups stressed that school safety initiatives should protect learners not only from physical danger but also from unnecessary psychological distress. They cautioned that realistic simulations of violent incidents may potentially cause fear, anxiety, or trauma among students, particularly when conducted without adequate safeguards and proper preparation.
Instead of conducting live simulations, the associations suggested the use of tabletop exercises, where students and school personnel can discuss and practice appropriate responses to emergency situations in a controlled and less distressing setting.
According to the PPA and PSCAP, preparedness remains essential, but safety measures should be designed in a way that strengthens students’ readiness without exposing them to potentially traumatic experiences.
The joint statement was issued in response to the Department of Education memorandum directing schools to participate in the nationwide simultaneous school safety drill for active attack incidents on August 25.
Courtesy: Philippine Psychiatric Association Inc./Facebook
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August 23, 2026
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