Which of the following is listed as a method for preventing school shootings?

• A. Reducing school meals
• B. Extending summer break
• C. Banning after-school programs
• D. Beefing up security measures

Answer: (D)

Becoming safer in schools often hinges on hardening the environment and ensuring a swift, coordinated response to potential threats. Increasing security measures directly impacts the ability to prevent a shooting by making it harder for someone to enter unnoticed, by delaying an attacker, and by enabling rapid intervention if a warning sign appears. When schools bolster security—through controlled entry points, trained staff, surveillance, clear lockdown procedures, and strong links with local law enforcement—it creates a layer of protection that can deter would-be attackers and reduce casualties if an incident starts.

The other options don’t align with preventive safety practices. Reducing school meals could harm student well-being and has no protective link to preventing violence. Extending summer break doesn’t address on-campus safety during the school year. Banning after-school programs removes activities that can provide supervision and positive alternatives, but it isn’t a recognized strategy for preventing school shootings.