A Brief Overview Of Peer Mediation

By Virginia Butler


While in school, most often students will have a disagreement with another student or group of students. If part of a gang or going through a rebellious phase, if the issue is not resolved, the results can often be dyer. When this is the case, peer mediation can often assist individuals in working out a resolution while supervised by trained student mediators.

The process is loosely based on that of peer counseling which became popular in the 1990s. Although, while that type of process involved two individuals working together as communicator and listener, the process lacked the presence of a trained mediator. While this is the case, those willing to participate were often able to resolve issues and conflicts, many times saving a relationship or friendship in the process.

Currently, providers of these services often train individuals to become mediators before going out on assignments. The process has become so accepted that there are now elementary, junior and high schools which welcome these individuals to solve a number of student issues. While those working as mediators may or may not have had such personal experiences, all are taught to be considerate and compassionate, especially when working with children and young adults.

A number of these individuals are now helping children and adults overcome disagreements and unpleasant behaviors. In some cases, adults have been able to save a marriage, which if not having had such assistance could have ended in a nasty divorce and custody battle. Whereas, there are others whom help couples while going such an experience.

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.

When it comes conflict in the workplace, the process can help eliminate damages which may be caused by emotionally charged employees. For, the process teaches individuals how to build ongoing cooperation among employees which may often see things differently. In doing so, employees often learn the difference between doing things in a way which is right or wrong versus simply doing things differently.

Mediation can also be useful with regards to community members and organizations. For example, if two or more individuals can not come to an agreement with regards to changes in building codes, or other forms of city infrastructure which can often lead to volatile arguments, mediators can often provide a place and oversee such disputes until a compromise or resolution takes place.

Whether working with community members, employees, family members or students, mediation can be a good method in overcoming issues. Whether a major or minor dispute, mediation can often be the difference between staying married or getting a divorce, paying a fine or going to jail or staying in school rather than being suspended. As such, mediators also save community members, parents, police, students and teachers time and money.




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