Source: (2012) Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution. 14:81-104.
Part I of this Article briefly details the current state of the
bullying epidemic in America and the responding programs, other
than peer mediation, which collectively have failed to empower
students or failed to resolve underlying interpersonal conflicts.
Part II explains peer mediation, addressing its processes, its effectiveness,
and its weaknesses. Exploring further the criticism of
peer mediation as inconsistent with relationships defined by dominance,
Part III explores, in relation to mediation, the parallels between
the culture of bullying and the culture of domestic violence.
Concluding that peer mediation is not a panacea for resolving bullying,
Part IV discusses the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
(“Olweus”), a successful anti-bullying program. Building on the
Olweus program, Part V argues that Florida and other states
should mandate peer mediation programs in schools as a complement
to other successful anti-bullying programs and explains how
to fund and structure the peer mediation programs. Part VI offers
a brief conclusion. (excerpt)
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