Peer Mediator

Mediation practices have been implemented as an alternative to settling disputes in an otherwise confrontational, win or lose battlefield amongst all types of people in society, and for all types of issues. Issues for which mediation has proven effective range from parent-child relationships all the way up to international political disputes. But one of the most novel implementations of the mediation forum is with youth. And, surprisingly enough, some of the most effective and successful mediators of youth are themselves youth, best known as a peer mediator.
Over the past 2 decades we have been witness to juvenile violence escalating in alarming ways. Students regularly bring weapons to school and minor skirmishes all-too-often end in tragedy. Considering the amount of violence that kids are exposed to through television, movies, and video games, it is no surprise that the natural choice of dispute resolution is more-often-than-not verbal or even physical confrontation. Many adults feel that there is almost no way to get through to the kids these days, so who can teach them to deal with conflict in a healthy manner?
One of the ways that the youth can learn to deal with conflict is by teaching and working with one another. The classic model of dealing with problems in schools has always been through adult intervention by explaining to the student why they need to act a certain way, or otherwise administering rebuke and punishment. And while detention may continue to exist, there is an alternative way of doing things today that can help students work out their problems with the help of fellow students.
Although the peer mediation process is not the same in all places, the general framework is pretty similar everywhere. Peer mediation is a process by which a student is referred to mediation either by a teacher, another student, or even by themselves. Issues that come forward for mediation can be about almost anything including racial issues, boyfriend/girlfriend issues, or even what one person said about the other on Facebook.
Once in a mediation session the two parties (students) meet with a fellow student, or students, who has undergone mediation training. The peer mediator works with the different parties to discuss problems that they are having and facilitate ultimately coming to and agreeing upon a resolution.
The following are some of the benefits of peer mediation:
• Teaches youth to be mediators, which is good for the peer mediator's self-esteem and could evolve into a future career in mediation.
• Students are often more at ease and willing to talk with a peer mediator than with an adult.
• Students that come to a peer mediated agreement are often more likely to stick to the agreement that they worked to mold as opposed to being scolded, punished, or told how to behave by an adult.
• In schools, where peer mediation thrives, it brings a general consciousness to the entire student body that there is another way to solve conflict rather than violence or hate.
• Teaches tolerance, understanding, and working together
• Makes the school environment a healthier, happier place so that students can focus on things like making friends and studying rather than revenge and anger
Although today's youth have a lot of negative influences bombarding their collective psyches on a regular basis, there may be a light in the darkness of rampant conflict and violence. Along with other programs, peer mediation has a lot of potential for helping us to communicate good values to the next generation.

It is difficult to estimate the positive influences that peer mediation has had, inside and outside of the school environment. Since peer mediation is usually proactive in nature it's positive results include preventing violence and other forms of conflict. It is safe to say that many verbal and physical fights have been prevented due to talented young peer mediators. Additionally, measuring the good that has come from increased peace and acceptance among peers would be impossible, because who can measure the value of friendships?!

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