A Brief Overview Of Peer Mediation

By Virginia Butler


Whether going to a public or private high school, there are often times when teenagers can not avoid a conflict. Whether the issue is between two specific students, or more than two, Peer Mediation can often help in resolving these type of conflicts. While this is the case, those involved must be willing to work together to overcome the issue while being monitored by a professional mediator.

The process is based on the concept of youth helping youth when it comes to problem solving and resolution. In doing so, the mediator provides a confidential safe location where the individuals can meet. At which time, the mediator oversees a meeting of those involved in the conflict.

Mediators providing these services are most often provided through private consulting firms. Most mediators providing these services come from a number of different backgrounds. Whether having participated in the process, or a similar one such as peer counseling which was popular in the 1990s, all are trained before going out on assignments to assist others.

There are also a number of mediators now working with adults needing this type of assistance. In some cases, adults have been able to avoid nasty divorces and custody issues by using this type of service. Whereas, there are others whom can use the process to maintain a peaceful process while going through such an ordeal.

Many of the benefits gained when going through this type of process include becoming a better communicator, avoiding suspension and allowing more teachers the time to teach rather than disciple students. Whereas, when it comes to adults, people often learn how to better communicate issues, pay more attention to the ideas of co-workers in the workplace and most importantly how to compromise or agree to disagree in a peaceful, non-violent manner.

Conflicts with fellow employees is often one of the most difficult issues because it often involves the risk of being fired. In most cases, a mediator can assist employees in coming to a compromise by teaching that while one employee may see or do things one way, and others another, this does not mean either is right or wrong, just that each have a way of working which is different from one another.

In other areas, community members, teachers and families are often able to learn how to resolve conflicts in a more non-violent manner. In doing so, it not only brings more peace to those involved but to the community at large. For, when people can be at peace in all areas of life, that peace transfers to all those with whom the individual comes into contact. For, whether attending a PTA meeting at school, a town hall at a community center or having a work or family conflict, it is important to resolve issues in an appropriate manner.

In all cases, whether working with adults or children, mediation can assist in educating individuals of all ages how to use more reasonable forms of communication in order to resolve current and future conflicts. Whether a minor or major dispute, a mediator can often be the difference between going to jail, being involved in a lawsuit or having to pay court costs. For, communication, compromise and understanding are often keys in preventing and overcoming disagreements which if not resolved can often lead to arrest, lawsuits or, in the case of gangs, death.




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