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What are some of the BENEFITS of starting a PM Program – for the school, and for individual students?
A peer mediation program in schools offers a host of invaluable benefits. Firstly, it empowers students to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner, promoting better interpersonal skills and conflict resolution abilities. It fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership among peer mediators, enhancing their self-esteem and communication skills. Additionally, such programs create a more inclusive and harmonious school environment, reducing bullying and disruptions. They also save valuable time for teachers and administrators who can redirect their efforts toward education rather than dispute management.
Ultimately, peer mediation programs instill essential life skills and contribute to a more peaceful and productive school community. Hear these kids tell their conflict stories.
Using data collected from several Los Angeles area schools, here are some benefits they experienced…
Learning outcomes improved, in language arts (vocabulary & writing) and social emotional learning (empathy & inclusion).
Before creating a Peer Mediation Program, an LA area school recorded 24 suspensions. The following year just 5 suspensions, and 87 successful mediations.
For each day a student in the LA Unified School District is absent due to suspension, expulsion, avoidance of bullying or on-campus conflicts, the school loses funding.
Personal Days Off by teachers or admin connected to stress or illness due to conflict also affects a schools “bottom line.”
Decreased bullying and the ability to safely/respectfully address conflict increased a sense of belonging, for students, and their school community. For 7 low-income schools with PM programs, it also reduced unexcused absences by 16.2%.
Student mediators reported searching for and adopting more interest-based, collaborative solutions after training. Mediators were able to see conflict as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle.
Mediators found opportunities to use their new skills in other situations – with family, at work, and in their community.
Students in conflict (disputants) that utilized mediation reported greater empathy, sense of belonging, perspective-taking, and satisfaction with the process.
Disputants reported they were able to maintain or repair relationships after mediation a dispute, and were able to manage new conflicts better than before.
Mediators felt their personal growth and new skills helped them in leadership positions.
All students involved set the example for others by choosing mediation as the first option to settling a disagreement.
