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Peer Mediation

School Programs

West Hawaii Mediation Center works with elementary, middle, and high schools throughout West and North Hawaii. We provide conflict resolution and peer mediation training to both public and private K-12 schools.

The following schools have active peer mediation programs:

  • Hawai’i Preparatory Academy Elementary & Middle School
  • Kohala Elementary & Middle School
  • Pa’auilo Middle School
  • Parker Elementary School
Kohala Elementary School's 4th and 5th grade peer mediators gathered on May 5th to review the year and celebrate their peacemaking efforts on the 1st and 2nd grade playground areas. Two mediators were absent. All of the 5th graders said they were interested in serving as a mediator in middle school!
4th & 5th grade peer mediators celebrate their peacemaking efforts at a past program at Kohala Elementary School

What is Peer Mediation?

Peer mediation is both a program and a process where students of the same age group facilitate resolving disputes between two of their peers. This process is voluntary, confidential, and models effective communication skills. Peer mediators do not “make decisions” but rather work toward a win-win solution for both sides.

Why Peer Mediation?

Having a solid peer mediation program in place can contribute to the development of safe and respectful learning environments. The mediation process allows students to become actively involved in transforming the school climate by becoming agents of change. Program goals include the teaching of conflict resolution skills, helping students gain perspective and understanding of themselves and other students, providing a safe forum for kids to resolve differences, reducing suspensions and other disciplinary actions, addressing problems before they escalate into violence, and recognizing and valuing the important role that students play in creating peaceful and productive schools.

Conflicts that are suitable for peer mediation 

Elementary school:

  • Playground disputes
  • Groups and cliques/social issues
  • Personal property concerns

Middle and high school:

  • Social media improprieties
  • Relationship difficulties/harassment
  • Rumors and gossip
  • Cheating and stealing
  • Racial and cultural confrontations
  • Vandalism
  • Classroom or extracurricular disputes

More serious problems require professional referral and are not appropriate for peer mediation. These include: sexual abuse, assault, suicide, drug use, weapon possession and those that involve legal problems.