28 October 2026
Speaking Their Language: How Peer-to-Peer Voice Is Transforming Wellbeing in Schools
All Things Conflict
About
How do we responsibly connect with young people in an era dominated by social media, short-form algorithms, and complex mental health pressures?
In this episode of All Things Conflict, host Maria Arpa is joined by Anne Morris (former maths teacher and founder of Peer Scroller) and Claire Hiscock (Product Manager at Thrive) to examine how schools, educators, and parents can bridge the generational communication gap.
Anne and Claire break down the power of combining evidence-based social-emotional development tools with authentic, peer-created short-form video content. They explore how relatable peer voices open safe spaces for difficult conversations around critical issues—such as ADHD diagnosis, period poverty, young carers, and digital wellbeing—before tensions escalate into crisis.
Maria also shares frontline insights from her work training young peer mediators in schools, illustrating why empowering young people to support their peers creates lasting positive change.
Key Takeaways
The Power of the Peer Voice: Young people connect with and confide in relatable, near-peer role models far more readily than traditional authority figures.
Responsible Content Creation: Utilizing short-form video content formatted like TikTok and Instagram—while keeping scripts carefully reviewed and held to high educational standards—bridges the gap between modern engagement and safe learning.
Upstream Conflict Prevention: Addressing emotional tensions, bullying, or behavioral slips early prevents issues from escalating into dangerous, hidden conflicts.
Data-Driven Pastoral Insights: Tracking engagement trends on digital learning platforms allows educators to spot emerging school-wide concerns (such as period poverty or caregiving struggles) before they become crises.
Engaging Parents at Home: Equipping families with accessible, digestible tools helps bridge the communication divide between the classroom and home life.
Proper Scaffolding for Peer Mentoring: Peer support and buddy schemes require structured training in empathy and listening; without guidance, older students can inadvertently heighten anxieties for incoming pupils.
Relevant Links
https://www.peerscroller.com/
https://www.thriveapproach.com/
Social Links
www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk
www.workplacehuddle.com
https://mariaarpa.com/
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Modern Pressures & How Young People Communicate
02:34 – Anne Morris’s Journey: From Maths Teacher to Peer-to-Peer Advocate
05:28 – Claire Hiscock & Thrive: Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Support
07:22 – Inside Peer Scroller: Using 90-Second Relatable Videos in Classrooms
11:29 – Responsible Content Creation: Structuring & Safeguarding Peer Voice
13:46 – Peer Scroller Explainer: Tackling Vaping, Attendance & Wellbeing
15:12 – Moving Upstream: Preventing Conflict Before It Escalates in Secret
18:10 – Maria’s School Stories: Peer Mediation & the Year 7 Buddy Pitfall
23:05 – Bringing Parents In: Bridging the School-to-Home Communication Gap
26:36 – Real-World Impact: Uncovering Hidden Trends, ADHD & Young Carers
33:32 – The Entrepreneurial Journey: Innovating Education & Gaining Trust
40:00 – Final Takeaways & Where to Connect: Peer Scroller & Thrive Approach
In this episode of All Things Conflict, host Maria Arpa is joined by Anne Morris (former maths teacher and founder of Peer Scroller) and Claire Hiscock (Product Manager at Thrive) to examine how schools, educators, and parents can bridge the generational communication gap.
Anne and Claire break down the power of combining evidence-based social-emotional development tools with authentic, peer-created short-form video content. They explore how relatable peer voices open safe spaces for difficult conversations around critical issues—such as ADHD diagnosis, period poverty, young carers, and digital wellbeing—before tensions escalate into crisis.
Maria also shares frontline insights from her work training young peer mediators in schools, illustrating why empowering young people to support their peers creates lasting positive change.
Key Takeaways
The Power of the Peer Voice: Young people connect with and confide in relatable, near-peer role models far more readily than traditional authority figures.
Responsible Content Creation: Utilizing short-form video content formatted like TikTok and Instagram—while keeping scripts carefully reviewed and held to high educational standards—bridges the gap between modern engagement and safe learning.
Upstream Conflict Prevention: Addressing emotional tensions, bullying, or behavioral slips early prevents issues from escalating into dangerous, hidden conflicts.
Data-Driven Pastoral Insights: Tracking engagement trends on digital learning platforms allows educators to spot emerging school-wide concerns (such as period poverty or caregiving struggles) before they become crises.
Engaging Parents at Home: Equipping families with accessible, digestible tools helps bridge the communication divide between the classroom and home life.
Proper Scaffolding for Peer Mentoring: Peer support and buddy schemes require structured training in empathy and listening; without guidance, older students can inadvertently heighten anxieties for incoming pupils.
Relevant Links
https://www.peerscroller.com/
https://www.thriveapproach.com/
Social Links
www.centreforpeacefulsolutions.org
www.peacefulsolutions.org.uk
www.workplacehuddle.com
https://mariaarpa.com/
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Modern Pressures & How Young People Communicate
02:34 – Anne Morris’s Journey: From Maths Teacher to Peer-to-Peer Advocate
05:28 – Claire Hiscock & Thrive: Evidence-Based Social-Emotional Support
07:22 – Inside Peer Scroller: Using 90-Second Relatable Videos in Classrooms
11:29 – Responsible Content Creation: Structuring & Safeguarding Peer Voice
13:46 – Peer Scroller Explainer: Tackling Vaping, Attendance & Wellbeing
15:12 – Moving Upstream: Preventing Conflict Before It Escalates in Secret
18:10 – Maria’s School Stories: Peer Mediation & the Year 7 Buddy Pitfall
23:05 – Bringing Parents In: Bridging the School-to-Home Communication Gap
26:36 – Real-World Impact: Uncovering Hidden Trends, ADHD & Young Carers
33:32 – The Entrepreneurial Journey: Innovating Education & Gaining Trust
40:00 – Final Takeaways & Where to Connect: Peer Scroller & Thrive Approach