They need someone to help them. Peer mediation gives students a chance to sit down with each other and tell each side of the story. Two specially trained students will sit with the students who have the conflict, and will help them reach an agreement about the problem. An adult advisor will always be in the room to help facilitate the process. Students understand and trust their peers.
Students often feel more comfortable talking over conflict with peers.
Peer mediators have had extensive training so they know how to get students talking to each other, and how to guide the discussion to help students reach an agreement. Peer mediation is not going to take the place of discipline. The rules and policies that are listed in the student organizer will still be handled by the administration. Mediators may be nominated by staff recommendations, or by self-nomination. Then there is an interview process in order to select the actual mediators.