Gardaí to deliver Coco’s Law talk to younger students

A recent information event on Coco’s Law held in the Hotel Kilmore was highly praised at a meeting of Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership.

‘Coco’s Law’ - formally the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 - criminalises the non-consensual distribution of intimate images and severe online harassment.

The legislation is named in memory of Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox, who died by suicide after suffering relentless online bullying. Under the Act, anyone found guilty of distributing intimate images without consent can face penalties of up to seven years in prison.

Impact

“She’s still there, I can still hear her,” Agnes McManus Dulake told the meeting, referencing the powerful speech given by Nicole’s mother, Jackie Fox on the day.

The event detailed the new targeted awareness campaign which will be rolled out by An Garda Síochána to Transition Year students, however Ms McManus Dulake believes the programme should be taught to younger students also.

“I really feel that this needs to go to younger age groups as well,” she said, mentioning how those younger than Transition Year age are using mobile phones.

Superintendent John Callanan responded by saying he heard the request “loud and clear” and that this is the “intention” of An Garda Síochána.

The event was deemed “very successful” by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council John Paul Feeley, who said there is a “general consensus” that a “multi-agency approach” should be taken to tackle the issue.

Meanwhile he also commented: “It is great that some good has come off something so negative.”

Cllr Feeley advised “if you wouldn’t say it don’t type it.”