Key Takeaways
- Parents of young schoolkids think emotional support for students would best improve school safety
- Parents wanted better teacher training, more school counselors and expanded efforts to foster friendship and inclusion
- They felt these would improve school safety more than on-site police, more building security or active shooter drills
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 19, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Metal detectors and active shooter drills have become hallmarks of school safety, but many parents think educators should focus on children’s mental health, a new poll reports.
Nearly 60% of parents of elementary and middle schoolers say teacher training to identify and support students with emotional or behavioral problems would make schools safer, according to results from the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
By comparison, only 35% think onsite police officers are an effective way to improve school safety, and 28% think active shooter drills help…