“Teaching peers is one of the best ways to develop mastery - Jeff Atwood”.
In a bustling school hallway, a student of class 8 noticed her friend struggling with anxiety before a big exam. Instead of walking by, she stopped, listened, and shared her own coping strategies.
Another student as a newcomer to a school expressed her interest in participating in a group project. She faced challenges when her classmates excluded her from group discussions. However, one of her peers, stepped in and addressed the group urging them to be more empathetic and inclusive.
These simple acts of kindness created a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued. They build a culture of support, where students learn not just from textbooks, but from each other. They create an environment where empathy thrives, and mutual learning becomes a daily practice, paving the way for stronger, more connected communities.
Under the National Adolescent Heath Programme, peer educator is a volunteer, who has the ability and willingness to dedicate adequate time to the program and has high motivation, is non-biased, non- judgemental, trustworthy and shows leadership qualities to reach out to adolescents. The “Buddy-Project”, an initiative under Peer As Role Models concept, is designed to foster these connections and should be incorporated into every school. By implementing the Buddy-Project, schools can create a supportive environment that encourages empathy, understanding, and resilience among students, paving the way for a healthier, more inclusive educational experience.It has been witnessed that there is a significant shift in the social-emotional development of children over time.
Adapting to changing generational values:
With each passing generation, there has been a noticeable change in values and experiences, reflecting the unique events and challenges faced during their formative years. From the Baby Boomers to today's Gen G, we've seen an evolving generation gap, with the current generation being raised in a digitalized and economically fluctuating society. This shift underscores the need for initiatives like the Buddy-Projecthelping bridge these gaps and support students' emotional and social growth in an ever-changing world.
Why peer role models? Need of the hour
Research consistently shows the profound impact that peer support can have on a child's social and emotional growth. Historically, children between the ages of 3 to 6 were often seen as dependent and incompetent, requiring guidance and upbringing by others. However, the perception of children has shifted dramatically. Today, they are recognised as social actors—individuals whose actions and interactions significantly influence their relationships and the broader social environment.
Where again Adolescence,(10-19) in particular, is a period marked by heightened conformity. During this stage, the similarities between peers become more pronounced, with peer influences playing a pivotal role in shaping behavior, attitudes, and identity. These peer-driven similarities are at their strongest during adolescence, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual understanding among peers. The developmental tendencies and researches done observed in adolescents significantly alter their attitudes and behaviors, making peer influence a critical component of their growth. With recent advancements and innovative approaches to disciplining and educating children, peer education or peer role models have emerged as a pivotal strategy for fostering holistic development. This approach not only enhances peer leadership but also supports the all-around development of every child.
The Mechanism behind peer role models and peer learners
The objectives of peer role models are multifaceted: they aim to cultivate a culture of peer-to-peer support, provide a strong foundation for managing emotional crises, and create opportunities for mutual learning, empathy, and guidance. By doing so, peer role models promote overall well-being and positive mental health, empowering students with a supportive environment both within schools and in society at large.
In this framework, basic life skills—such as critical thinking and emotional regulation—are taught and reinforced by peers themselves. Peer role models are meticulously trained to uphold and develop key principles such as confidentiality, active listening, respect, empathy, boundaries, and limits. They embody the core values of advocacy, honesty, authenticity, integrity, and collaboration, creating an atmosphere where students feel empowered, supported, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
Through this, peers learners will –
- Promote learning from trained peers
- Encourage support seeking behavior
- Help reduce fears and barriers
- Establish access to resources
Given these dynamics, the emphasis on peer support and role models is more relevant than ever among schools and classrooms. Initiatives like the Buddy-Project are essential in harnessing the power of peer influence to foster positive development and resilience in children and adolescents.
(The author is a practicing counseling psychologist dealing with school students. All thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own.)