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HBO's 'Thoughts & Prayers' Premieres, Probing the $3 Billion School-Safety Industry

The film contends that a booming preparedness market normalizes school violence in place of legislative action.

Overview

  • The documentary by Zackary Canepari and Jessica Dimmock debuted Nov. 18 on HBO and is streaming on Max.
  • It surveys a commercial sector reported at roughly $3 billion, featuring pitches for bulletproof desks and backpacks, in-class shelters, VR simulations, robotic dogs, and realistic wound makeup used in drills.
  • Coverage cites that the vast majority of U.S. schools conduct lockdown drills, with reports noting practices begin as early as pre-K.
  • A key sequence follows a mass-casualty drill in Medford, Oregon, organized after a school janitor turned himself in and police found weapons and a written attack plan.
  • The filmmakers present these measures as security theater that shifts responsibility to schools, highlighting data that firearms are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children.