€50,000 Awarded for Countywide Coco’s Law Youth and Community Protection Programme in Cavan
Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) welcomes funding for a major online safety initiative aimed at protecting young people and vulnerable community members.
The Coco’s Law Youth and Community Protection Programme has been awarded €50,000 to deliver a comprehensive countywide initiative focused on preventing online bullying, image-based abuse, digital exploitation and other forms of online harm across County Cavan.
The project is being overseen by the Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), with An Garda Síochána as the lead agency. The initiative will bring together key partners from education, youth, community and statutory sectors to promote safer online behaviour and digital wellbeing.
The programme has been developed in response to growing concerns regarding online safety and the challenges faced by young people and vulnerable groups when navigating digital spaces. Teachers, youth workers and community leaders have consistently highlighted uncertainty around how best to address online safety issues and provide appropriate guidance and support.
Through this funding, the programme will deliver:
- Garda-led education and awareness sessions on Coco’s Law.
- Information on consent, online safety and responsible online behaviour.
- Guidance on reporting mechanisms and available support services.
- Practical toolkits and resources for schools, youth organisations and community groups.
- Public awareness campaigns across County Cavan.
- Strengthened partnerships between schools, youth services and community organisations to foster safer online environments.
Speaking on the announcement, representatives of the Cavan LCSP welcomed the funding, describing it as a significant investment in protecting communities from emerging online harms and empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to stay safe online.
A dedicated working group has been established to guide and support the delivery of the programme. Membership includes representatives from:
- An Garda Síochána
- Tusla
- HSE
- ISPCC
- Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB)
- Post-primary schools across County Cavan
- Youth services and youth organisations
- Cavan County Council
- Community Safety Partnership representatives
The initiative reflects the commitment of the Cavan LCSP and its partners to creating safer communities, addressing emerging forms of online harm and ensuring that young people have the tools, knowledge and support needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The programme will be rolled out across the county through a coordinated series of educational workshops, awareness campaigns and community engagement activities designed to equip young people, parents, educators and community leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to prevent online harm and support those affected by it.