Information for Students

Protecting children and young people from illegal and harmful content online is one of Coimisiún na Meán’s key priorities. We understand that once a child or young person sees something upsetting or distressing online it can’t be unseen, and it could have lasting negative effects.

Coimisiún na Meán was set up in March 2023 and, since then, new laws and rules have been brought in to help keep children protected from harm online.

Watch our video about the rights you have under our Online Safety Framework.

If you’re worried about something you saw online, or you’re wondering how to report to the various online platforms, have a look at our complaints guidance page. You can also get in touch with our advice centre by emailing usersupport@cnam.ie.

If you have other questions about who we are and what we do, see our FAQs for students below. If there are any other questions you might have, get in touch with us at usereducation@cnam.ie.

FAQ for Students

What rights do I have under these new rules?
What do you mean by illegal or harmful content online? 
Are there not rules and laws already in Ireland that look at the online space? What about Coco’s Law?
What happens if I see any of this harmful or illegal content online? What do I do?
Do these rules apply to every platform on the internet?
What about disinformation? That is harmful, but it is not illegal. Can I report this?
What if nothing happens after I report this illegal/harmful content? What do I do then?
What happens then?