All government schools in NSW must implement an Anti-bullying Plan with specific strategies for identifying, reporting and dealing with bullying behaviour.

As an early intervention strategy, peer mediation can play a part in reducing violence, bullying, truancy and vandalism in schools. Peer mediation is seen as a long-term program to be incorporated into the school's ethos rather than as a 'quick fix'.

Peer mediation is one of the conflict resolution strategies available to schools in which students are actively involved in resolving their own disputes. It involves one or two students trained in mediation leading other students through a structured process to resolve a dispute. Further information on the types of disputes for mediation (pdf 22kb) in NSW schools is available.

Schools seek to empower students by teaching them the skills to resolve conflict in non-violent ways. Schools are the main setting outside of the home where students are able to learn, develop and trial social skills, concepts and tactics of dispute resolution. Effective use of conflict as a tool for learning fosters positive interpersonal relationships. If we teach students to productively manage their own disputes schools and classrooms will become more conducive to learning and development (Longaretti & Wilson, 2000). See outcomes from peer mediation programs (pdf 22kb) for further information about the benefits of peer mediation.

The self-empowering aspect of mediation - students participating in decision-making about issues central to their lives - makes it an important tool for fostering self-regulation, self-confidence and self-discipline.

Good Practice Guidelines for Peer Mediation Initiatives (pdf 22kb) provides additional information to guide school communities in implementing peer mediation programs.

Peer Mediation Needs Analysis for Schools (pdf 27kb) provides a framework for schools to use when considering how peer mediation might be used as part of whole school student welfare and discipline initiatives.