Safety Issues for Middle Schools

Peer Mediation in Middle Schools

How Does the Actual Peer Mediation Process Work?

The Six Phases of Mediation

1. Mediators and disputants meet and review the process and ground rules.

The mediators and disputants start by introducing themselves to each other. Next the mediator goes over the roles and process of mediation and explains the ground rules:

1. BE RESPECTFUL
2. Be willing to solve the problem
3. Tell the truth
4. Listen without interrupting
5. Take responsibility for carrying out the agreement
6. Keep the situation confidential

2. Each disputant tells his or her side of the story to the mediators.

Both disputants get equal time to tell their side of the story uninterrupted by each other or the mediator. The mediator repeats a short summery of both sides after the disputants are finished to be sure everyone understands the conflict and no one is confused.

3. Disputants talk to each other about the conflict. Mediators use questions to help the disputants focus on the common problem and are trained to listen for possible solutions.

(Note: this phase is often the most difficult for disputants).

During this phase of mediation the mediator helps bring out the facts and feelings of the situation. A good way of doing this is having the parties change roles and think about how the situation feels for the other person. They should summarize the facts and feelings of both sides.

4. Disputants and mediators brainstorm ideas and solutions.

This is when the mediator can ask both disputants how they think this problem can best be solved. The mediator should write down what both sides think then check off ideas they agree on.

5. Disputants and mediators draft an agreement, which disputants sign.

The mediator can write down the brainstorm and pull out all the aspects that both disputants agree. The contract should be written in the disputants’ own words, and everybody must sign it.

6. Mediators check on the success of their mediation after two weeks.

The mediator should remember to thank both disputants for being there and letting the mediation service help them. They should also make sure to check up with both disputants in the next two weeks to see how things have turned out and to let the students know they care.