October is Ohio School Safety Month—a time to reflect on strategies that promote emotional and physical well-being, conflict resolution and safety through tools like emergency communication systems and panic buttons in school settings.

In honor of Ohio Schools Safety Month, we wanted to highlight Lakewood, Ohio School’s innovative RESET and Peer Mediation programs, which are creating safe learning environments by focusing on mental health, emotional regulation and conflict resolution. These programs go beyond traditional disciplinary methods, showing how schools can support students in becoming their best selves.

RESET: A Mindful Approach to Discipline

Rather than relying on suspensions or detentions, Lakewood High School’s RESET program provides an opportunity for students to reflect and correct their behavior. RESET aims to identify the root causes of issues, such as poor time management, emotional challenges or stress regulation.

This one-hour session includes activities encouraging students to practice mindfulness and accountability, followed by a review with a staff member to ensure the student has the tools to succeed and avoid similar issues in the future. During the 2022-2023 school year, 272 students participated in RESET as an alternative to traditional discipline.

By helping students learn emotional regulation and decision-making strategies, the RESET program supports a positive school culture, where mistakes become learning opportunities rather than setbacks.

Peer Mediation: Students Supporting Students

Lakewood High School’s Peer Mediation program empowers students to resolve conflicts before they escalate. In this program, student mediators - trained from a diverse pool of students - facilitate conversations between peers in conflict, helping them find resolutions through dialogue, respect and compromise.

Restarted after being inactive for nearly a decade, the Peer Mediation program has transformed the Lakewood School culture. Students report improved relationships and less tension at large school events like Friday night football games, where disputes that once disrupted events are now settled amicably before they even start.

How Peer Mediation Works:

• Referrals: Students, teachers or administrators can refer issues that need handling through mediation.
• Structured Process: Students follow a script, ensuring both parties have the chance to express themselves and agree on a resolution.
• Respect and Accountability: Participants agree to stay seated, avoid name-calling, and sign a contract at the end of the session.

The Impact on School Safety

RESET and Peer Mediation align with the growing recognition that including restorative practices in incident management plans creates safer, more inclusive school environments. These programs reflect the shift from punitive measures toward strategies that help students develop crucial life skills such as self-regulation, empathy and conflict resolution.

Peer Mediation, in particular, teaches students to solve conflicts collaboratively - a skill essential in school and life beyond the classroom. Whether resolving disputes with friends or managing future workplace conflicts, students learn to approach issues with understanding rather than hostility.

RESET, meanwhile, provides a preventive approach to discipline by addressing behavior at its source and helping students develop healthier coping mechanisms. This reduces the likelihood of repeat or more severe offenses and ensures students remain engaged in learning.

A Model for Safe Learning Environments

Lakewood’s programs exemplify how schools can prioritize student safety by promoting mental health, personal responsibility and positive conflict resolution. Creating safe learning environments is about more than just physical security. It’s about building a culture where students feel supported and empowered to grow.

Learn more about creating safe learning environments, Alyssa’s Law requirements and funding and more at 911Cellular.com.

Tags: School safety