School leaders are investing in technology aimed at deterring violence and responding to threats, even as researchers stress that devices are only one part of safety planning. An EdWeek Research Center survey found districts most commonly use chemical and acoustic monitoring in sensitive areas and AI-enabled security camera monitoring, while other tools include weapon-detection systems, biometric locks, and wearable panic alarms. The same coverage flags how quickly AI-focused security offerings are expanding—vendors claim detection of medical emergencies, firearms, and fights—while evidence-based safety approaches emphasize teams, annual climate surveys, and multitiered systems of support. The survey’s findings will likely intensify scrutiny of procurement decisions, implementation quality, and oversight in districts adopting new tools. For colleges and universities with teacher-prep or education leadership programs, the push signals continued demand for training on school safety governance, risk assessment, and technology selection tied to student behavior and campus climate.