A MEDIAÇÃO ESCOLAR COMO FORMA DE GERIR CONFLITOS: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS

School mediation is a method for resolving conflicts in the school context, using communication, dialogue and negotiation between the parties involved. It seeks to foster peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and respect, rather than resorting to punishment or authoritarian actions. The main objective of this article is to analyse school mediation as a conflict resolution tool, the challenges that schools encounter when implementing this process, and the prospects for its effectiveness. The methodology was based on a literature review, using secondary sources for theoretical support, carried out through a qualitative approach, as for nature, it is fundamental and part of the interpretative paradigm. The study concluded that school mediation requires mediators, who can be teachers or trained professionals, who assist students, teachers and other members of the school community to resolve conflicts in a constructive way. Despite the notable benefits of school mediation, such as encouraging student leadership and creating a culture of peace, its application faces challenges, such as the lack of adequate training of professionals and the difficulty in engaging all participants in the process. Furthermore, the culture of violence and punishment in some educational institutions can represent an obstacle to the effectiveness of mediation. However, the prospects for school mediation are favorable, as it fosters a culture of peace, improves students’ socio-emotional skills, improves the school environment and helps build more empathetic and resilient citizens.