How Peer Mediation Can Help Avoid Suspension

By Virginia Butler


At some point in life, an individual has a disagreement with others. While most reasonable people can often work out a compromise, others need assistance. For these individuals, whether children or adults, peer mediation can often be helpful when it comes to communication, compromise and understanding.

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.

One provider of these services has now provided accreditation for mediators to implement the process into grade, junior and high schools. While somewhat new, the practice is akin to peer counseling which became popular in the 1990s. In fact, there are a number of individuals whom were originally involved with this type of counseling which are now mediators. While such experience is not required to become a mediator, having gone through a similar process can be helpful while working with and teaching others more non-violent forms of conflict resolution.

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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