Alert:
This Hot Mess Press post contains a shocking video! It shows a commercial ad that features school children (portrayed by actors). If you or your kids have ever wondered what to do in a mass shooting, you might want to view it as a family. Many people will find it upsetting and some might think it was done in poor taste. More than 2 million people have already watched the ad.
We’re interested in knowing how Hot Mess readers feel about the video. If you watch it, leave a comment and tell us what you think. Did the advertisers go too far? Should there be more commercials like this one? Will you share it with others? Will you share it with your kids?
What to do in a mass shooting video
Sandy Hook Promise is a nonprofit group comprised of members of the Newton, Connecticut community. In 2012, 20 precious children between the ages of 5 and 10 were murdered along with six members of their school’s staff. As our nation grieved, parents everywhere were left wondering what to tell their kids. “What to do in a mass shooting” had never been part of the family mindset in the United States. Sadly, it has since become a main focus of our children’s lives. SHP posted the ad on Twitter.
Back-to-school ad teaches what to do in a mass shooting
Again, please be aware that there are disturbing images in this video! It begins as an innocent back-to-school clip with smiling children proudly displaying the items their parents have provided them with for a new school year. One young girl tells viewers she loves her new folders. A boy shows his brand new backpack. At first, you’ll think you’re merely watching an ad that’s going to plug a back-to-school sale or particular department store.
NOT.
The video takes a sudden, drastic turn when scenes of chaos erupt on the screen. It goes from being an items-every-student-needs-for-back-to-school commercial to a survival film that shows what to do in a mass shooting. More than that, it shows the same kids who were smiling moments earlier now using their back-to-school items to save themselves and their friends!
The video offers some surprising tips
As a parent, do items like backpacks, skateboards and socks come to mind when you consider what to do in a mass shooting? I can honestly say these products have never entered my mind when teaching my children survival skills. Is the video difficult to watch? Yes. I’m glad I watched it though and I will definitely be sharing it with my kids.
A boy is seen crashing out the glass of a school window with his skateboard. A girl uses her new, back-to-school socks as a tourniquet on the wounded leg of a fallen friend nearby. I can’t help but think that the more than 2 million people who have viewed the ad may have learned some tips for what to do in a mass shooting that they didn’t already know. Our kids must think about these things. The Sandy Hook shooter and other killers have forced them to do so. Those who made the ad could have produced a simple tutorial that provided similar information in list form. I’m not sure it would have the same impact.
Will you share this “what to do in a mass shooting” ad?
What do you think? Did you watch the video? Do you think kids should watch the video? Should there be more videos like this? Is it inappropriate? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.
