Peer Mediation

Peer mediation and conflict resolution skills are vital to promoting the health and well-being of our children. This program at Cambridge Elementary School teaches students communication, problem solving, and group cooperation skills.

Conflicts between children are a part of everyday life at home, school, and in the community. The most common types of conflict are teasing, name calling, spreading rumors, and friendship troubles. Our peer mediation program is a problem solving approach where students with a conflict have the opportunity to sit down, in a non-threatening environment and discuss their conflict. After the issues are discussed and each student feels their side has been heard, possible solutions are brain-stormed by the students and the mediators. Once a solution has been agreed upon, it is written down, signed by both parties and the mediators.

Peer mediators are students who are trained in mediation skills during a day long training with on-going support throughout the year. Peer mediators will partner with another trained mediator when conducting mediations. Peer mediators are not police officers or judges, but rather facilitators to help students solve their own problems. Peer mediators gain personal insight and skills that often enhance their own self-esteem and academic performance. Schools with similar programs report decreases in suspensions, reduced tensions, and improved school climate.