Resolving Conflict in Schools: A Report about the Impact of Peer Mediation
Resolving Conflict in Schools: A Report about the Impact of Peer Mediation
“Peer mediation works. Anyone who has had the privilege to deliver conflict resolution training to school pupils will know what a magical and meaningful experience it can be.”
We are pleased to share the first national evaluation of peer mediation in schools. This report brings together data and experiences from pupils, staff and mediation providers, showing how peer mediation helps young people understand one another, manage conflict and contribute to calmer, more supportive school environments.
With mediation becoming increasingly important in the wider justice system, these early skills matter more than ever.
Resolving Conflict in Schools – Peer mediation as a foundation for happier, healthier futures
Victoria Harris, CMC CEO and author of the report: “I’ve spent the last six months living and breathing peer mediation often writing late into the night, weekends included, fuelled by tea, deadlines and the belief that young people deserve better tools to navigate conflict.
Last week the report finally launched and I’m thrilled it has been published thanks to generous sponsorship from the TCM group.
What kept me going were the stories and the data that show just how powerful peer mediation can be:
• 96% of schools would recommend introducing a peer mediation programme
• 89% of young people trained as peer mediators say they are now better able to understand others feelings
The findings point to something we urgently need in education, approaches that support youth mental health, help retain teachers and genuinely reduce conflict.
And there’s a bigger picture too. Mediation is increasingly embedded in the civil justice system that today’s young people will inherit. A system that expects citizens to understand navigate and value non adversarial ways of resolving disputes. Peer mediation gives students early meaningful experience of what mediation is and how it works long before they encounter it in adulthood
These skills don’t just resolve playground disagreements they shape the culture of how we as a society respond to conflict. I’m incredibly proud of this piece of work and grateful to everyone who shared their time, insights and honesty along the way. If you’re curious about the impact that peer mediation is having in schools, I’d love you to give the report a read.
Here’s to calmer classrooms, confident young people and the power of listening.”
