Cyberbullying, especially today with the rise of social media, continues to be a burning issue.
Two 18-year-old Canadians were arrested Thursday on child abuse charges over photos posted online to blackmail Rehtaeh Parsons.
Parsons , from Nova Scotia , committed suicide in April at the age of 17 after allegations of gang rape by four boys.
A photo of the alleged rape began to spread widely and caused unbearable harassment and anxiety for Rehtaeh, her mother said.
According to the BBC, police are not releasing the names of the accused, given that they were minors at the time of the alleged rape.
One of them has been charged with two counts of distributing child pornography and cyberstalking. The other was charged with child pornography and distributing child pornography. Their trial will be held in juvenile court.
Police have warned Halifax residents who believe they know who the accused are not to come forward and have promised criminal prosecution for offenders.
Halifax Police Officer Roland Wells said in a statement Thursday night:
“A young girl has died. We all need to reflect on how we, as a community in memory of Rehtaeh, can work together to support and help our young children.”
