As we approach the one-year anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, it’s encouraging to note that school safety has improved in many parts of the country.

In Florida, security guards are now required at every public school. In Broward County where the Parkland shooting occurred, the school district says it will use fencing, classroom door locks and a single school entry point to make it more difficult for a shooter to enter schools and classrooms. All campus gates must be locked during school hours or be guarded if they are open. Classrooms are locked at all times. School security cameras are now being upgraded so police can review them remotely. Lockdown and evacuation drills are part of every school’s safety plans.

New California Laws. In California, new laws are also in place. AB 1747 requires schools to conduct yearly active shooter drills as part of their overall safety plan. AB 3205 requires that any new school construction or upgrade project include classroom doors that can be locked from the inside. That way, a shooter can’t simply walk into a classroom and start firing. Another new law requires that schools take stronger measures against bullying.

While childhood is supposed to be a carefree time, reality dictates that instances such as Sandy Hook, Parkland and the hundreds of violent instances that occur on school property annually require serious school security measures. No amount of precautions, however, will prevent every sick individual from doing harm, but these new laws and procedures can at least help improve the safety of our schools and the protection of our children.