The New York State Board of Regents has banned realistic active shooter drills in schools, starting with the upcoming school year.

The decision comes after years of advocacy from parents and lawmakers who argued that the drills were traumatizing children and normalizing violence.

Instead of using actors or props to simulate an active shooter scenario, schools will be required to use "trauma-informed" and "age-appropriate" methods in their safety drills. These methods will focus on teaching students how to respond to emergencies in a way that prioritizes their safety and well-being.

Some community members in the Bronx say that action needs to be taken to prevent school shootings from being a threat in the first place.

"The lawmakers should protect the kids better and take real initiative... changing the laws around gun violence," said college student Papa Deme.

Schools will be required to notify staff, students, and parents about planned lockdown drills ahead of time. This measure aims to minimize fear and anxiety among students and their families.

One student from Brooklyn was all for the removal of the drills, saying that he didn't see how they were helpful.

"It was kind of bad it was always this loud thing scaring everybody... people would just be laughing, so we just don't need it," said student Yanick Ellis.

The ban states that school districts are still allowed to participate in full-scale exercises if they choose to, but those exercises cannot happen on a regular school day and the district will need consent from parents if they plan to include students.