Locking classroom doors during the day, with the intention of keeping kids safe from intruders, has become common practice at local schools. Some have been bolting up for a long time, and others implemented the policy after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut reawakened questions about school safety.
But can locked doors really protect children and teachers from harm?
Do you think locking classroom doors is an effective safety measure? Do they lock the doors at your child's school? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
"It seems someone could easily blow the lock right off," said a commenter on the Lamorinda Patch Facebook page. "Security measures need to be taken from the outside in and not vice versa."
"I think it is a good idea," responds another. "Even [if] someone can blow the locks off, it slows them down. Even 30 seconds of lead time for calling the police may save 10 more lives. Plus, it should be combined with other safety measures to solve the larger problem."
"People moving between classrooms would not be able to enter a room for safety," says another commenter.
"Sounds like common sense," says a commenter on the Concord Patch Facebook page.
"It can't hurt to do it," says another.
"It's a pain to have the knocking interrupt class," says a local teacher, "but it is an option."
"Its a fantastic idea!" says a commenter on the Martinez Patch Facebook page.
"I don't believe that we are really SAFE anywhere," says another. "People can get killed or injured nowadays anywhere, grocery stores, theaters, pumping gas... but I do feel better knowing that people are more aware of this and are trying to at least keep our children secure while they are at school."
"Bullets go through doors and walls," one commenter replies. "It's a false sense of security."
"I'm not sure why we are surprised tragedies like Sandy Hook occur," says another. "Outraged and saddened yes, but not surprised. We live in a country that glorifies violence in many ways. Guaranteed safety isn't possible."
"It sounds like an overreaction... until it's your kids!" one commenter says.
Share your views on the locked classroom door policy below.
