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“We’re not there to police the Internet, per se, or to stop people from expressing their opinions as long as it’s done in an open, frank and truthful discussion,” MacRae said.

“When it’s done in a potentially harmful way or not based on all the facts, a certain segment of the population may act based on that information alone and that’s dangerous.”

Rehtaeh’s cousin, Angella Parsons, said she believes posters that were put on display near the family’s home amount to harassment.

“I was outraged to think that people would be so callous, they would not respect a family who is grieving right now,” she said.

Ontario experts appointed to produce independent review

The news came as the Nova Scotia government announced it was appointing two education experts to produce an independent review of how the Halifax Regional School Board responded to the case.

Marilyn More, minister responsible for the status of women, says the case has shone a spotlight on bullying and violence against girls and women.

More says the panel will prepare an interim report by May 10 and is expected to deliver a final report by June 14.

The experts will determine whether board policies were followed, make recommendations to address gaps in procedures, and ensure the safety and mental health of all students.

Given issues surrounding mental health, the reviewers will also look at the role of the Capital District Health Authority and IWK Health Centre, the region’s largest children’s hospital.

“This review is not intended to find a scapegoat or vilify a school or its teachers,” More said in a statement.

“It is to improve the educational system, ensure our children are safe.”

The two experts she appointed are Debra Pepler and Penny Milton.

Pepler, an expert in bullying, is a psychology professor at Toronto’s York University who has been on Ontario’s Safe Schools Action Team since 2004.

Milton is the former CEO of the Canadian Education Association and a former deputy minister of Ontario’s Advisory Council on Health, Wellbeing and Social Justice.

With files from the Canadian Press