Could Coco’s law criminalise the taking of TikToks (or selfies) in changing rooms?

Hi there,

Thanks for getting in touch with Ask Robyn. It is great to hear that you attended the Coco’s Law Webinar and we hope you found it helpful.

In the situation you have described where a is child ‘partially nude,’ we’re unsure what exactly that means, it may come within the definition of an intimate image because the law says that an intimate image is one where a ‘. . . person’s genitals, buttocks or anal region and, in the case of a female, her breasts’ are represented in the photograph…and that includes where the person is in their underwear covering these areas of the body or where the person is nude.

Smartphones are ubiquitous and sometimes young people don’t stop to think/reflect on their activity as they are caught up in the moment. It sounds like you are thinking about having a discussion with young people in the swim club about Coco’s law to help prevent the behaviours that may arise with phones in changing rooms. We would strongly recommend this as it is important that young people are aware of this law. Webwise has excellent lesson plans on Coco’s Law which can help guide these discussions: www.webwise.ie/lockers/cocos-law-lesson/

We hope you have found this useful and we understand that you may have some follow up questions. If so, we would love to hear from you again to clarify anything or give any further information where we can. You are also very welcome to call us on a parent support line on 01 522 4300 if you what to talk more about how you might have these discussions within the swim club. This line is open between 9am-1pm, Monday-Friday. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. 

All the best,  

Robyn