Rebecca Lee discusses how Coco’s Law is now being taught in secondary schools with Gardaí backing.
A new education initiative centered on “Coco’s Law” is being introduced in secondary schools across the country. This marks a momentous step forward in efforts to address online harassment and harmful digital behaviour among young people.
Coco’s Law refers to the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020. This piece of legislation has created specific criminal offences that target online abuse. The law makes it illegal to send threatening or wildly offensive communications, as well as to share or threaten to share intimate images of a person without their consent. It was introduced following a national campaign led by Jackie Fox after the death of her daughter, Nicole “Coco” Fox, who experienced severe online bullying.
Under this law, individuals found guilty can face criminal prosecution. The legislation also highlights the serious harm caused by digital abuse, including psychological distress and reputational distress.
The new school programme, developed by An Garda Síochána in partnership with Webwise, aims to educate students about the key aspects of the legislation and their real world consequences. The lesson will be delivered as part of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, particularly for junior cycle students.
According to Gardaí, the programme is designed not only to explain the law but to encourage responsible behaviour online. Students will learn to identify illegal actions ,such as sharing intimate images without consent and sending harmful messages, while also exploring topics like consent, digital accountability and respect. Since 2023, there have been more than 400 charges and summons under the legislation. This shows that these offences are being actively investigated and prosecuted rather than being reduced to school-based problems.
The initiative has been welcomed by campaigners and policymakers as a preventative measure. Minister for Education & Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, expressed how this initiative “not only raises awareness of the legal consequences of inappropriate behaviour online, but also empowers students to make respectful, informed choices and to seek support when they need it”.
The rollout comes amid growing concern about the impact of social media on young people. Reports indicate that cases involving harmful messaging and image based abuse have risen in recent years, reinforcing the need for early education on the problem.