The Peer Mediation Program has been running at Mabel Park SHS for the past five years and is a key component of our whole school approach to Conflict Resolution. Peer Mediation has been an important strategy in dealing with bullying in the school. Students can self refer to mediation, or be referred by staff or parents. If general support is required, students are available to listen to students' problems, and help them brainstorm ways of dealing with them. Alternatively, formal mediations may be conducted.
Students work in pairs and write up a formal mediation agreement if agreement is reached.
The mediators are supported by the staff member who coordinates the program and regular debriefing and follow up occurs. Students often feel far more comfortable trying to sort out issues with older students than with adults. Particularly in cases of bullying, reports have suggested that students feel safer talking with other students as it reduces the implication that they are dobbing on the person they are having problems with.