They can give special attention to both harassers and victims, seeking causes and resolutions. Peer facilitators may be an ideal resource for helping. Consider that adults sometimes make children feel uncomfortable, especially when talking about a sensitive topic such as sexual conduct. Frequently, people feel others their own age can better understand what they are going through, and a better understanding usually results in more effective help. Everyone knows the weight a peer carries behind any message, positive or negative, can be greater than that of an adult.
Young people listen best to other young people.
The positive influence peer facilitators can have on middle school students is powerful and exciting. There are other advantages of being a peer facilitator involved in sexual harassment risk reduction. Peers are often more accessible and available. As activists, peers can alert adults to student needs and concerns in the area of sexual harassment. Using professionally and systematically trained peer facilitators increases the number of helpers and the magnitude of the message.