Peer Helpers Make a Difference!

Students Helping Students

What is peer helping?

Peer helping is based on the fact that students most often seek out other students when they are
experiencing some frustration, worry or concern. Students want to help each other, yet they often
do not know how to do it or what to do. Peer helpers are trained and supervised to provide:

Why peer helping?

Peer helping empowers adolescents to deal with substance abuse, suicide, loneliness, low
self-esteem, decision-making/problem-solving and other issues that interfere with student
development and learning. Peer helping teaches young people the relevant skills to help combat
the impact of negative peer pressure. Peer helping contributes to the atmosphere of care needed
by educational institutions to reduce vandalism, truancy and dropouts.

How do peer helpers help?

Peer helpers' roles are determined by their training and by the needs of the student community
they serve. Some typical assignments include working as:

Tutors: helping students with academic and social learning;
Buddies: helping younger or new students make transitions into a new school;
Orientation Guides: helping and informing students;
Special Projects: design and coordinate projects of benefit to students and others in the community
Academic Assistants: helping students set goals, consider options and plan actions
Referral Agents: helping students get connected to appropriate specialists
Peer 'Counselors': helping others sort out problems and concerns, brainstorm ideas and providing practical help, when possible
Conflict Mediators: assisting students in resolving disputes

What peer helping is not!

Peer helpers do not make decisions for others. They may suggest options or discuss alternatives
and identify consequences, but they do not tell others what to do.

Advisor for Peer Helper Program is Mrs. Pratt

Email: shellie.pratt@k12.sd.us