Peer mediation

Peer mediation is a process where those involved in a disagreement volunteer to discuss the issues and explore how best to take matters forward. It requires them to operate within a whole school ethos, which is itself restorative.

Children and young people can be more comfortable talking to someone their own age who understands their concerns and their perspective. Pupils learn to listen to others’ points of view and to accept differences.

How does it work?

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In peer mediation pupils are trained to act as mediators in a dispute without help from teachers. This empowers children and develops their sense of community and co-operation. The school and classroom become more peaceful, allowing more teaching and learning to take place.

Peer mediation takes place in a structured and safe environment with adult supervision nearby and always requires the participation of two peer mediators. Peer mediators deal with low-level disputes and always refer to school staff when a situation becomes too complex for them to handle.

What does it give the school?

Peer mediation can provide a safe structure for children and young people to solve their problems and learn to negotiate.

Peer support can reinforce a positive ethos and sustain pupil motivation, just as peer rejection could turn schools into cold and inhospitable places.

Peer mediation can build a supportive environment and help to sustain the overall wellbeing within a school.

What does it give the pupils?

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All pupils learn the basic skills of communication and conflict resolution and develop the coping skills that they will need outside and beyond school.

Pupils who are trained as peer mediators develop additional skills in communication, negotiation, understanding and problem solving. Acting as mediators helps to promote young people's emotional and social skills and builds self-esteem and confidence.

Starting peer mediation

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It is essential that members of the school staff are trained with the pupils and operate to provide continuous support to the peer mediators.

A normal process of peer mediation training within a school might see a whole year group undergoing basic training in conflict handling and communication skills, followed by a selection process for peer mediators, which might include an open application and selection procedure.