A behaviour mentor helps children struggling with
emotional or social problems, working with these young people to develop better
‘norms’ of behaviour. Where mentors work in schools, this could include
undertaking one-to-one mentoring sessions with identified children, drawing up
action plans, liaising with SENCos and developing strategies to help a pupil
better manage their behaviour.
The Importance of Building a
Relationship
Experienced
youth mentors like Mario Carrozzo understand that developing a
relationship with the mentee is a crucial factor in mentoring. It’s also an
important way in which youth engagement and behaviour mentoring is different
from sport or career mentoring. Nurturing a strong, professional and
interpersonal relationship with the mentee is key to a mentor’s success and the
progress of both parties.
Showing Genuine Care
Mentors who don’t
exhibit genuine care, however well-meaning they may be, are likely to be ‘found
out’ by the mentee, who tends to have an uncanny ability to sense a lack of
authenticity. It’s crucial for a behaviour mentor to consistently exhibit a
caring nature towards the mentee, even when this means taking a tough stance.
The mentee needs to feel assured that the mentor, and the support they offer,
is there for the long haul.
The Turbulent Adolescent Period
Adolescence is
often an emotionally and psychologically challenging time for young people, who
can struggle to regulate their feelings while going through such major changes.
This stage of development, with all its attendant emotional upheaval, can
result in unacceptable behaviour occurring – coaches and mentors can offer the
support needed during this time. As well as using intervention methods to
manage challenging behaviour, mentors need to have a deep understanding of
issues that some young people may be experiencing on a daily basis.
What Is the Difference Between a
Learning Mentor and a Behaviour Mentor?
The terms
learning mentor and behaviour mentor are often used interchangeably, and there
is a considerable overlap between the two roles. Learning mentors typically
have more of a focus on helping with academic performance (and often a wider
general remit) than a behaviour mentor. The latter’s role involves developing
and implementing strategies to help students improve their behaviour.
What Qualifications Does a Behaviour
Mentor Need?
A university
degree is not required to become a behaviour mentor. The most essential
qualifications for the role are patience, trustworthiness, excellent listening
and communication skills, and empathy. However, for those interested, there are
a range of diplomas and courses in behaviour support training available.
