1. Make sure any peer-support scheme comes from a real need in children. Successful schemes range from those that are primarily education or training-focused, such as drugs or sexual health, through emotional support or befriending, to conflict resolution or peer counselling. All can work, all have much in common, but they need to stem organically from children's situations, not to be imposed from outside.
2. Never too young can be a good motto. But there are limits. Experts suggest that children from the age of seven can be trained in co-operative group work, circle time befriending, and circles of friends. Other approaches, including conflict resolution, peer education and tutoring and counselling interventions, are better introduced when kids are older, say Helen Cowie and Pattie Wallace. Their book Peer Support in Action, Sage, 2000, is a mine of useful information.
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