A host of famous faces are using their online platforms in support of a new law seeking to bring justice to victims of online bullying.
The act, which will be named ‘Coco’s Law’, will make online bullying a crime, alongside revenge porn, digital harassment, and online stalking. It could also see perpetrators of online bullying and harassment jailed for up to five years.
The name of the law is to honour Nicole Fox Fenlon, a 21-year-old woman who committed suicide in 2018 following relentless online bullying.
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Among those in support of the bill are influencer Terrie McEvoy, singer Aimee, and social media star Darren Conway. Who have all shared a video telling Nicole’s story, which was initially posted by filmmaker Gerard Walsh, on their platforms, making the message reach hundreds of thousands of people due to their large followers.
Bravely opening up recently about her personal experience with online trolling, singer Aimee spoke in length about the law on her own Instagram story.
Admitting that she was upset after hearing about Nicole’s story, Aimee said:
“I have lost too many friends to suicide”
“I openly spoke online about struggling myself with the constant hate and darkness of social media but it continued. Imagine that?”
Ending her heartfelt post on a positive note, Aimee urges people to “do better”.
Pushing this bill with all of her strength, the mother of Nicole Fox Fenlon has been tirelessly campaigning for a change to be made in Irish laws since the death of her daughter two years ago. She presented a petition with over 33,000 signatures to Leinster House yesterday, and Justice Minister Helen McEntee has now said that she is committed to cementing the act and aims to have it in place by the end of 2020.
If you have been affected by anything in this story free phone Pieta.ie on 1800 247 247.