Newark, Ohio—After being punched in the face, 15-year-old Alexis Xanders uploaded video of the assault to YouTube and CNN iReport. Now authorities are using the tape to prosecute her assailant.

Similarly, the beating death of honors student Derrion Albert was captured on video in the fall. Three teenagers, who’ve pleaded not guilty, appeared at a hearing about the case this week.

Posting videos online makes bullies more visible to school officials and the police, say crime-prevention experts. The accessibility of cameras and the widespread use of social networking makes it easy for people to post and share videos widely.

"I didn’t think anything would actually happen with all of this because [bullying] happens all the time," Xanders said.

A few days before the assault, the school led a peer-mediation session between the girl and her alleged assailant. They conversed for 20 minutes and then said everything had been smoothed over.

School officer David Bardsley said mediation has about a 90 percent success rate. “Most of the kids say that when we rationalize with them, they realize that they’re being silly,” he said.

Xanders posted the video without informing her parents, but they support the move, especially if it brings attention to bullying. Xanders, who didn’t fight back in the video, encourages other victims to “tell somebody and do something about it.” She said, “Don’t just sit there and take it. You can use your words and not your hands.”

Source: CNN.com

Discsussion Questions:

• Do you expect social media to frighten bullies away from intimidating people? to lessen the amount of bullying incidents that occur in schools and neighborhoods? Why or why not?

• In your opinion, how successful is peer mediation? What insights might people gain by talking about a conflict? What’s the secret to making a lasting peace and changing people’s interpersonal behavior?

• What’s the best response to harassment? Is it wrong to act in self-defense? Why or why not?

• If you don’t stick up for yourself, does that show a lack of courage or self-esteem? Explain. Why did Jesus “just sit there and take it” when he was being harassed before he his death?

• What are the most common sources of arguments among young people? Why do you think bullies behave the way they do? Do you think they’re trying to build up their own self-esteem? Explain.

• Would you be willing to post a video of yourself being bullied in order to catch the instigator—even if the video was embarrassing? Explain. Do you consult your parents first about stuff you post online? Why or why not? What might they approve or disapprove of, and why?

• With the advent of social media, do you feel like someone’s always watching or following you? How does it feel to know that God always knows what you’re doing and thinking?

Scripture links: 1 Samuel 13:19-22; Nehemiah 4:15-23 Matthew 5:38-42; Matthew 26:62-68; John 18:19-24; and Romans 12:17-21.

Stephanie Martin is a freelance writer and editor in Colorado.