Peer Mediation Program

PMediators.JPG
​Why develop a peer mediation program?
·         Empowering our young leaders (Grade 6s) to develop their communication and conflict resolution skills.
·         Building active problem solvers.
·         Challenge our leaders to interact with younger students and foresee problems before they turn into physical or verbal aggression.
·         Reduce the amount of students who feel rejected or withdrawn.
·         To build skills to more effectively to deal with conflict resolution and dealing with differences in school life.
·         Happier, more confident school environment.
·         Students will be taking responsibility for their actions.
·         Create a bank of evidence that problems are being more actively solved and increased decision-making is happening at a student level.
·         Increase in self-esteem of student leaders and the children having the dispute.
·         Inter year level socialisation increases.
·         Teachers will spend less time disciplining students for often-minor offences.
What is the role of the Peer Mediator?
·         Model open and honest communication
·         Listen actively to feelings and words
·         Think critically to assist with problem solving ideas
·         Create a cooperative approach to problem solving, to the benefit of all students
·         Assist students in taking responsibility for their thoughts and actions
·         Explore needs and concerns
·         Create a safe, non-threatening environment for the exchange
·         Steer the process in the right direction with astute questioning
·         Identify common ground
·         Facilitate negotiation
·         Empower students to resolve their own problems
What skills will the Peer Mediators develop and use?
·         Facilitate conflict resolving in a non-judgemental manner
·         Support all parties equally
·         Develop trust within the school community
·         Outline clear rules of mediation
·         Explain the process fully
·         Gain agreement from all parties involved
·         Take charge and lead the mediation
·         Help the students involved hear and listen to each other effectively
·         Direct students to stay on track
·         Actively listen, question and summarise
·         Lead the students to an understanding of both sides of the dispute
·         Identify common ground
·         Map core issues
·         Brainstorm
·         Complete documentation for school based data collection
·         Encourage students to take responsibility for their own problem solving​
What conflicts will the Peer Mediators be helping with?
·         Gossip and rumours
·         Name calling
·         Dirty looks
·         Arguments
·         Territorial disputes
·         Invasion of privacy
·         Sharing
·         Game disputes


© Brisbane Catholic Education, St Kevin’s School  (2023)