1. Peer Mediation
T 4 T

2. Conflict is an inescapable and essential part of life, diversity and change.
Successful conflict resolution is essentially a problem-solving exercise, which involves achieving win-win situations rather that the win-lose outcome that competition and fighting tends to achieve.
Discuss words that represent conflict – many will have negative connotations. However, conflict is also about creating change & opportunities. Conflict can be exciting, creative and satisfying when conflict is resolved taking into account each persons views, needs and feelings.

3. What is Mediation?
A structured process in which a neutral third party assists voluntary participants in resolving their conflicts.
Stacey & Robinson, 1997, Let’s Mediate.

4. Mediation is
In peer mediation, students talk face to face in a safe and supportive discussion led by trained peer mediators.
The process is organized, structured, and systematic and aimed at producing positive actions and outcomes.
Peer Mediation does not take the place of normal consequences when inappropriate behavior has occurred.

5. Mediation is NOT: About deciding who’s ‘wrong’ or ‘right’
About apportioning blame
About focusing on the past any more than is necessary to help pupils work out a way forward
About offering advice. Mediators support pupils to work out a way forward which is mutually acceptable

6. “If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends
      “If you want to make peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
Mother Teresa

7. What situation can be mediated?
Arguments
Teasing
Harassment
Name-calling
Rumours
Conflict with peers
Verbal exchanges
Misunderstandings
Horseplay

8. Which situations should not be mediated?
Issues that involve sensitive information
Issues that involve the police
When the dispute involves an adult
When one or both parties have a history with bullying or violence
Racist Issues

9. Mediation helps pupils to
Define the problem from their point of view
Identify and express their feelings and needs
Hear the feelings and needs of the other person
Acknowledge each person’s viewpoint
Create solutions
Agree a course of action
Evaluate progress
Pupils must agree to abide by the rules for disputants

10. What are the benefits of Peer Mediation for the school?
Peer Mediation promotes a positive classroom environment and school culture.
Peer Mediation assists disputants and mediators to learn more effective conflict resolution strategies for future situations. 
Peer Mediation eases time pressure on staff by allowing some issues to be resolved by Mediators.

11. What are the benefits of Peer Mediation for the school?
Gives teachers time to teach, and students time to learn.
Can reduce violence, vandalism, and absenteeism as well as suspensions or punitive actions

12. Peer Mediators can also
Help train other peer mediators
Help with Assemblies
Help in promoting the peer mediation programme

13. How does it work?
For peer mediation to work effectively, at least one party involved in the conflict must be willing to make contact with the peer mediation facilitator
Parties may be referred by outside person
After process is explained, both parties must agree to take part
Procedures must be put into place for referring situations for mediations. And for mediations to be successful, participation in the mediation process must be voluntary. Staff may offer mediation to students as a way of working out differences, but it will not be nearly as successful if parties are forced to participate.

14. Training peer mediators
Training in interpersonal relationships
active listening skills,
facilitating discussions,
step by step process
Collaborative style
explore alternatives, identify issues
think about consequences and how they will affect the relationship
Of course, before students may be allowed to mediate for other students, they must be trained by skilled and caring adults. They must be taught the skills needed to guide their peers through the mediation process. Effective mediation programs can be found among all ages of students from elementary to high school.

15. Steps to peer mediation
Referral
Meet the first person
Meet the second person
Carry out the Peer Mediation and Work together for an agreement
Follow-up
Of course, before students may be allowed to mediate for other students, they must be trained by skilled and caring adults. They must be taught the skills needed to guide their peers through the mediation process. Effective mediation programs can be found among all ages of students from elementary to high school.

16. Signposts to a Peer Mediation
Set the stage
Hear the story
Share feelings
Seek solutions
Agreement
This is a common outline in Scotland