Since 1996, there have been more than 90 school shootings in the U.S. Some 233 kids have lost their lives.
So, we put some students from Countryside High School and their teacher through an exercise. What do you do if confronted with a school shooter?
Right now, most follow the rules of compliance. Any wrong move could mean instant death.
We put the kids through a few different situations.
Also Read: Surviving a school shooting (Part 1)
First, they listen to the shooter and do whatever he wants. It's a scene that has happened time and time again around the country and some students who obeyed were still shot and killed as they hid.
Right now, most schools across the country go into an automatic lockdown when a shooter is on campus. Doors are locked and students hide under desks waiting for police. But that could be hours and, for many people, that policy is outdated. Some even say it's not sufficient and leaves students like sitting ducks.
Dr. Bob Laronga has developed a plan called the anti-terror action plan. It teached kids how to handle threats, to remain calm and evaluate the situation. To look for weakness or opportunities to overwhelm the shooter.
He says to use things like keys, books, phones, desk or chairs to throw at the attacker.
Understand, this program does not advocate for kids to be heroes, but to act decisively as a group.
Again, the kids at Countryside High School knew this was an exercise. In fact, they are all part of the drama/theater club.
This is for high school kids, not for elementary kids. But then again, there have not been cases where classmates in elementary school have come in shooting.
Dr. Laronga says the main idea is for your kids to know what to do.