Unbelievable: Drones are Not the Answer to the School Gun Violence Problem

Newtown, CT – Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence released the following statement following media reports that some schools are considering using drones to address gun violence, one day after news that childcare centers in Indiana may be required to conduct regular active shooter drills according to a new proposal from Gov. Mike Braun.

“Drones in schools and active shooter drills for daycare are part of the same thing I saw for years as an elementary school teacher – security theater that ignores the heart of the problem which is that we have too many guns in this country and they are too easy to get,” said Abbey Clements, executive director of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. “The overwhelming majority of school shootings happen because the student had access to an unsecured gun in the home. Drones are not the answer. We will not fix our gun violence problem in schools until parents are educated about securing their firearms at home so that their children do not bring them to school.”

Background: According to a study by the Secret Service, around two-thirds of school shootings take place because a firearm was not properly secured in the home. Gun violence is a costly – and preventable – public health challenge that is far too common in our schools.

Everytown: Studies have found overwhelming evidence that school shooter drills may cause psychological harm to students. A study by Everytown noted, "...active shooter drills significantly impact mental health, regardless of whether they are implemented in elementary, middle, or high schools." [The Impact of Active Shooter Drills in Schools, Everytown, Last Updated 5.14.24]

Abbey Clements is the executive director and a Co-Founder of Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence. She is a survivor teacher of the Sandy Hook School tragedy in 2012, and was an elementary educator for over 30 years. Abbey has been featured in various events, publications, and documentaries, including the 2024 DNC, Newtown, If I Don’t Make It, I Love You, Bullets Into Bells, AFT Voices, USA Today, AARP, Share My Lesson, The Hill, among others.

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Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence envisions a future where every school in the United States is a safe haven and a safe learning environment for every child, and where all citizens live without the fear and trauma of gun violence.

July 29, 202