NCJ Number
150346
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 15-17
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The role of mediation in a comprehensive, school-based, antigang strategy and the use of mediation in teaching gang members constructive conflict management skills are addressed.
Abstract
Schools have used various strategies to keep gangs from totally disrupting the educational process. These strategies range from highly suppressive, enforcement-oriented approaches to such preventive measures as finding jobs for gang members or involving them in sports programs. Many school safety experts do not believe in the effectiveness of peer mediators to resolve gang disputes. Nonetheless, mediation may play a role in improving communication and resolving conflicts between parties. Mediation may offer a chance to control conflict outcome, and the one factor that can work to motivate gang members to choose mediation is the gang's desire to maintain control. Mediation implies that two equals sit down together and negotiate a settlement with the help of a third party. While prosocial behaviors of gang members should be recognized and reinforced in the mediation process, adults should discourage any reward that relates to gang status. Problems associated with the use of school employees in mediation are noted, the use of outside mediators is discussed, and the sometimes coercive nature of mediation is examined.