Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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266. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of cases of intimate image abuse that have been reported by schools to her Department since the enactment of Coco's law; if any of these involved deepfakes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62441/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Schools are not obliged to report cases of intimate image abuse to my Department. Under Coco's Law, such cases should be reported to An Garda Síochána. In addition, where there is a child protection concern arising from a case of intimate image abuse, this should be reported to Tusla as set out in the Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025.

My department has embedded online safety and digital harm considerations across procedures and guidelines for schools.

The Child Protection Procedures for Schools 2025 integrate both Coco's Law and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022, requiring schools to address online safety explicitly in their Child Safeguarding Statement and risk assessment.

In addition, the updated anti-bullying procedures, Bí Cineálta, came into effect from the start of the 2025/26 school year and specifically address cyberbullying, sexual harassment and related behaviours, noting that such conduct can constitute criminal behaviour requiring Garda investigation.

Through the Digital Strategy for Schools, my Department funds Webwise, the Internet Safety Awareness Centre, to provide age-appropriate curricular resources including the lesson "What is Coco's Law?" for 3rd to 5th year students. Students will understand that their online actions have consequences for both themselves and others and that they are accountable for their actions. Students will feel empowered to speak up about online sexual harassment and know where to go for help if it occurs ().

Webwise has also developed the online cyberbullying course for teachers Understanding, Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying – New Supports for Teachers. This course which seeks to inform teachers and school leaders about cyberbullying and outlines a school’s role in relation to creating an anti-cyberbullying culture and promoting student wellbeing including online wellbeing. Topics explored include Coco’s Law and other relevant legislation, engaging parents, addressing incidents, prevention and awareness, etc. The course aims to provide both primary and post-primary teachers with the knowledge, resources and confidence needed to teach about cyberbullying and deal with cyberbullying incidents as they arise.