Cool Schools
Bullying in New Zealand Schools - Shocking Statistics
An international survey (2009) of 5000 Year Five pupils in 40 countries showed New Zealand kids have the second highest reported incidence of bullying.[1]
Statistics NZ figures show numbers of assaults with weapons at schools and universities including knife attacks are rising from 21 in 2007-2008 to 24 in 2008-2009.[2]
Bullying and cyber-bullying using email and mobile phones is likewise a growing problem in schools and has been linked with several youth suicides.[3] This scenario establishes the need to adopt a multi-pronged approach that involves schools, parents and the wider community.
[1] “Deborah Coddington: Parliamentary thugs give free lessons to child bullies” 15 November 2009. NZ Herald.
[2] “Inquiry into how schools respond to violence” 4 November 2009. Dominion Post.
[3] “Bullying claim as girl quits school” 23 November 2009. www.stuff.co.nz/the -press/news/christchurch/3086780/Bullying-claim-as-girl-quits-school
Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme
The Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme has been operating in New Zealand since 1991. It has been delivered to nearly two thirds of our schools nationwide.
This proactive programme empowers people by teaching them skills and processes to resolve conflict peacefully. Individuals learn how to use conflict scenarios as an opportunity to build positive relationships with others. Non-violent, constructive, co-operative, WIN/WIN solutions to a problem are negotiated. Agreements are made which are mutually acceptable to all parties concerned. When implemented as a whole- school programme, it has a positive impact not only on students, teachers and parents but also for the wider school community.
Schools successfully implementing the programme report that 80-85% of minor disputes are settled permanently by peer mediators helping to make the school environment (both playground and classroom) a happier, safer, more peaceful place to be. Students are providing a service for other students as “peace-keepers”. They are modelling skills and processes, which will last a lifetime and are readily transferable to the home, workplace, community etc.
New Zealand is becoming increasingly multi-cultural. This cultural and ethnic diversity is often reflected in schools. The Cool Schools Peer Mediation Programme training increases the students’ awareness of cultural differences and fosters understanding and respect of diversity so that every child’s uniqueness is recognised and embraced.
There are three programmes available in New Zealand: Cool Schools Primary (Years 1-8); Cool Schools Secondary (Years 9-13); Cool Schools Parents’ Programme, and we are developing Cool Schools International.
The Ministry of Health appreciates the positive impact this programme is having on reducing bullying and other levels of aggression and violence within schools. As a result, they provide funding for staff training and resources for schools throughout various regions of New Zealand i.e. FREE of charge!
Peer mediation, conflict resolution and problem solving skills are linked to the Health and Physical Education Curriculum – Strand C, Relationships with Others, Levels 1-8. In the Ministry of Education Curriculum document, the 5 Key Competencies include many achievement objectives related to the skills and processes taught in the Cool Schools Programme. The good news is that teachers can teach these as part of their Health Curriculum.
Cool Schools Programmes aim to:
• Help individuals develop life long conflict management skills
• Focus on building positive relationships with others
• Create win/win situations for students, teachers, parents, caregivers and the wider community
• Provide life skills for school, home and the workplace
• Empower students to help other students
• Be proactive, helping to prevent bullying and other levels of conflict
• Provide a peaceful and safe learning environment
• Encourage students to develop the value of service leadership
The Cool Schools Programmes develop key skills such as:
• Active reflective listening
• Using “I” statements and affirmations
• Recognising different types of responses to conflict
• Effective questioning
• The role of the mediator
• The mediation process (including a process for junior students)
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Click here for Cool Schools trainer contact details.
Click here to download the Cool Schools Resource order form (N.B. Resources are only available to schools that have recieved training).
Quotes from Cool Schools:
“Cool Schools provides a sound framework for teachers and students to resolve their differences in a positive way.”
Principal
“Peer mediation has helped with bullying. Teachers and students are safer at our school now.”
Student
“It’s great that the teachers don't have to get involved with our peer group problems!!!”
Student
“There is a lot more respect and care around how teachers and students speak to each other.”
Teacher
“Cool Schools eases up the pressure on teachers. They don't have to deal with the minor conflicts that pop up all the time.”
Teacher
“Parents comment on how positive the programme is when their children use the strategies to deal with problem solving at home.”
Principal
‘Students respond positively to the mediators and appear to appreciate being able to work through issues with fellow students rather than teachers.’
Cool Schools Co-ordinator
‘Students are more responsible for their own actions, mediators are respected and engaged in proactive leadership skills in the playground. This is a valuable programme - effective in helping children deal with their own issues and improving playground behaviour.’
Principal
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