Violence in schools is unfortunately becoming more and more of a hot topic. Are you looking for information about preventative measures or training in student mediation, conflict resolution or violence at your school?

We give support in the resolution of conflicts at school and in scholastic environments as well as providing training on school and student mediation with projects in and around the subject matter.

What is mediation or scholastic conflict resolution?

'Mediation' is a word of Latin origin and means “intervention“. A mediator intervenes between parties whose conflict has escalated into a quarrel. Via a regulated sequence and structure of conversation a conflict is canvassed until a joint solution is found. In this exchange there are no losers. This is important, because every human being has a strong desire to be a winner. Children and teenagers are no different: they, just like adults, want to result as winners in a conflict.

Throughout the mediation we will follow rules of conversation which have to be adhered to strictly. Due to its clear structure, the mediative conversational method can be learned by children of every age.

What is special about mediation at school?

The process of mediation comprises a conversation between two conflicting parties with a mediator as neutral intermediary. The exchange is held on a voluntary basis, serves the resolution of a conflict and the search for a joint solution.

The exchange is governed by strict rules of engagement. It is not however a search for 'truth' in the sense of a court case, but rather about the relative points of view of the conflicting parties on their dispute. A solution is not ordained by a judge but rather worked out by and between the conflicting parties, and should be advantageous for both.

Both the mediator and all counterparties assume responsibility for their actions. This course of action is in line with the students' longing for independence and their desire to make their own decisions. Once the counterparties have decided on a solution to their problem both can accept it more readily, seeing as it has been proposed by themselves. For this reason student mediation tends to be very successful. Student sourced conflict resolutions tend to be fair, practicable and forward looking.

School mediators can help resolve all kinds of every day student disputes and quarrels. However, grievous or criminal offenses are not suited to be solved by mediation.

Would you like to know more? Give us a call!

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