Select students from Jasper Elementary School in Grades 5 and 6 learned conflict mediation on Oct. 18, to help solve problems amongst themselves and their peers.

The program, called Kids Helping Kids, has been active at the elementary school for the past 20 years, says teacher Paulette Trottier. It helps teach kids how to help their peers resolve conflict by coming up with their own solutions. It was held at the Pyramid Resort for the entire day, and 47 students volunteered. Kids who chose to take part were treated to a free lunch, role-playing and games like Broken Telephone, which taught them how hurtful rumours can be.

The program also teaches many skills and ways to resolve bullying. The kids learned how to paraphrase a scenario, rather than embellish the truth to limit rumours and to be pro-active.

“They’re really good life skills,” said Trottier. 

Active listening was an important part of the day, as students used paraphrasing in mediation. Trottier said it is an essential skill in solving problems.

“When you’re dealing with other people, you really have to listen,” she said. 

Bullying and anger management were important topics discussed during the Kids Helping Kids program. Students learned how to deal with a single bully, or a group. They were encouraged to tell an adult. For anger management, the kids learned how to calm down and deal with angry feelings. 

The students also learned about confidentiality, and how to keep the mediation sessions private to avoid rumours. 

After the program is complete, the students will have the opportunity to volunteer their time at lunch hours or during recess, to sit inside and meet with students who are having problems with their peers. A handout given to each student says the goal of mediation is to help each person involved in a conflict listen to the other’s side so they can learn about the whole story, and find their own solutions. 

Trottier said the program is being used by students. Sometimes they volunteer to sit in with the student mediators, but sometimes they are asked to participate by a teacher or the principal. “They have to want to be there,” Trottier said. 

If a student chooses not to take part in mediation, their other alternative is to speak with the principal.