Thursday, November 1, 2018

How Peer Mediation Can Help Avoid Suspension

By Virginia Butler


At some point in life, an individual has a disagreement with others. While most reasonable people can often work out a compromise, others need assistance. For these individuals, whether children or adults, peer mediation can often be helpful when it comes to communication, compromise and understanding.

The process is based on the concept of youth helping youth when it comes to problem solving and resolution. In doing so, the mediator provides a confidential safe location where the individuals can meet. At which time, the mediator oversees a meeting of those involved in the conflict.

Currently, providers of these services often train individuals to become mediators before going out on assignments. The process has become so accepted that there are now elementary, junior and high schools which welcome these individuals to solve a number of student issues. While those working as mediators may or may not have had such personal experiences, all are taught to be considerate and compassionate, especially when working with children and young adults.

There are also a number of mediators now working with adults needing this type of assistance. In some cases, adults have been able to avoid nasty divorces and custody issues by using this type of service. Whereas, there are others whom can use the process to maintain a peaceful process while going through such an ordeal.

Many of the benefits gained when going through this type of process include becoming a better communicator, avoiding suspension and allowing more teachers the time to teach rather than disciple students. Whereas, when it comes to adults, people often learn how to better communicate issues, pay more attention to the ideas of co-workers in the workplace and most importantly how to compromise or agree to disagree in a peaceful, non-violent manner.

Conflicts with fellow employees is often one of the most difficult issues because it often involves the risk of being fired. In most cases, a mediator can assist employees in coming to a compromise by teaching that while one employee may see or do things one way, and others another, this does not mean either is right or wrong, just that each have a way of working which is different from one another.

In other areas, community members, teachers and families are often able to learn how to resolve conflicts in a more non-violent manner. In doing so, it not only brings more peace to those involved but to the community at large. For, when people can be at peace in all areas of life, that peace transfers to all those with whom the individual comes into contact. For, whether attending a PTA meeting at school, a town hall at a community center or having a work or family conflict, it is important to resolve issues in an appropriate manner.

Whether working with community members, employees, family members or students, mediation can be a good method in overcoming issues. Whether a major or minor dispute, mediation can often be the difference between staying married or getting a divorce, paying a fine or going to jail or staying in school rather than being suspended. As such, mediators also save community members, parents, police, students and teachers time and money.




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