Peer Mediation

Conflict resolution by young people, for young people

Peer mediation equips children with the skills and confidence to resolve conflicts between children the same age or younger.

Using skills of listening, empathy and perspective taking, Peer Mediators help to make playgrounds happier and calmer places to be.

It is most common in primary schools, but there are a growing number of secondary schools introducing schemes.

The Process

The process used by Peer Mediators is in essence the same as that used by adult mediators.

Those in dispute voluntarily undertake to talk through a conflict in a discussion facilitated by the peer mediators.

The structure is straightforward: ground rules are established to promote a respectful discussion, both disputants have the opportunity to describe what has happened, how they feel and what they need, before finally reaching a mutual agreement.

During the process, peer mediators listen and summarise what's said, but remain neutral; they do not judge, take sides or impose a solution. It is those in conflict who take responsibility for finding the resolution.

The impact

Research tells us that schools communities that have Peer Mediation see:

· Increased empathy, understanding, pro-social behaviours across the school.

· Increased confidence and academic attainment of peer mediators themselves.

· Staff spending less time dealing with disputes, leaving more time for teaching & learning.

A new report written by the Civil Mediation Council with the help of Quakers in Britain was launched in November 2025. The report presents up to date evidence of the impact of Peer Mediation and makes the case that Peer mediation training is not merely a ‘nice to have’, but an initiative that needs to be embedded as standard practice in schools across the country.

You can download the report here

Training for children

Training is provided by a network of providers across the country, many of whom are afiliated with the Civil Mediation Council.

To find a provider in your area, go click here

Training for trainers

Quakers in Britain provide Train the Trainer courses for anyone wanting to develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement Peer Mediation in a primary school. More info here