Peer Mediation
In our everyday lives we run into many problems that are hard to fix. These problems come at any age, but the quicker they are handled, the easier they are to fix. Sometimes children can’t come to their parents about problems because they are afraid of the consequences of their actions, so they just try and handle problems on their own. This is where more problems arise. Most kids don’t talk to each other about their situations because they are either afraid to, or they don‘t have someone they can trust. Peer mediation is a program designed especially for this area of concern. This new endeavor was introduced to me through the public school system. Peer mediation is a problem-solving process that is helpful for kids of all ages (Farifax). Peer mediation is a process by which students act as mediators to resolve disputes among themselves (Peers). This is a very helpful process that may not seem like much, but this program really is a great asset. Many schools all around the nation have some form of peer mediation, whether they’re in a middle school or a high school. These types of programs are designed to help students solve their own disputes by developing trust among fellow students, as well as to teach students important skills to live in a multicultural world. The great thing about mediation is that students can refer themselves to mediation, rather than having an administrator or teacher refer them. No matter who refers the students to the program, the students are not forced to attend the mediation, but are only asked to. The good thing about students being able to refer themselves is that the students don’t have to worry about a staff member getting into their business. I first got involved with the peer mediation program in the sixth grade and continued in it until I graduated high school. I have done anywhere from ten to twenty mediations in my seven year experience. I remember one of the very first mediations I did back in sixth grade. As mediators