Online mediation offers new opportunities not only to adult mediators, but to peer mediators as well. Thanks to a JAMS Foundation grant, in 2015 we (a team of experts in peer mediation and online mediation) launched the Online Peer Mediation Platform (OPMP) http://goo.gl/s20BtT – with four goals in mind.

Goal 1 – Provide anyone who is interested in peer mediation extensive information on this topic; e.g. standards, useful links, research on peer mediation effectiveness, policies and laws, resources . That information is available now on the OPMP website (Resources page).

Goal 2 – Show how students can practice their peer mediation skills online, with the assistance of their trainer or other qualified mentors. In 2015, we ran and video recorded 6 online peer mediation simulations with students connected with their PC, Mac, Ipad, Iphone, Android device, or a regular phone - http://goo.gl/mj1fdt

The result was great. According to their comments posted on the OPMP home page, students loved it – for them, the online world is second nature. That’s why this year we’ll train 10 high schools to set-up, run, and video record their own online peer mediation simulations – with as many students and as often as they like.

Goal 3 – Show how students can learn online how to become peer mediators. This OPMP component will be available in 2016.

Goal 4 – Show how schools who have significant experience in peer mediation can offer online mediation services to other schools across the USA, who don’t have a peer mediation program but whose students need immediate help to resolve their disputes. This OPMP component will also be available in 2016.

You can now follow the developments of this innovative project also via Twitter and Facebook.