The Leprechaun Law: Why Ireland's Young People Deserve Better Protection Online
We truly are living in the strangest of times. There are laws that protect myths more than the youth! Leprechauns, the mischievous little beings of Irish folklore, are officially protected under EU law. That’s right—Leprechauns have their own special legal status, obliging member states to ensure their strict protection. What’s wrong with that I hear you say? Well, while we’re busy protecting Leprechauns, we should be doing a lot more to protect young people facing abuse and trolling online.
Sounds absurd, doesn’t it? But it’s true. And that’s exactly why we’re launching the Leprechaun Law campaign—to shine a spotlight on Ireland’s outdated hate speech legislation and demand change. Because while Leprechauns are safe and sound under EU law, young people in Ireland need more help and more protection when exploring the wild west of the internet. The solution? Let’s all become Leprechauns!
Online Hate Is Out of Control
Often, the internet can be a wonderful place, but it can also be a breeding ground for hate. If you’ve ever scrolled through social media, chances are you’ve seen it first-hand: cruel comments, relentless trolling, and outright abuse. It’s everywhere, and it’s hurting people—especially young people.
Earlier this year, LADbible Ireland asked our audience about their experiences online, and the results were shocking:
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- 91% said they’ve witnessed hateful comments online.
- 43% have been on the receiving end of those comments themselves.
- 51% have reported hate comments, but a staggering 87% said nothing was done about it.
Let that sink in for a moment. Most people who report online abuse are met with silence—no action, no accountability. Meanwhile, the trolls keep trolling, and the cycle continues.
And it doesn’t stop there:
- 39% believe Instagram is the worst platform for hate comments.
- 25% said they wouldn’t confront a friend posting hateful comments online (awkward).
- 27% admitted they’ve left hateful comments themselves—and regretted it later.
These numbers paint a grim picture of life online for young people in Ireland. It’s clear that something needs to change—but Ireland’s current laws aren’t up to the task.
Coco’s Law: A Step in the Right Direction, But Not Enough
In 2021, Ireland took an important step towards tackling online abuse with the introduction of Coco’s Law, officially known as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act. Named in memory of Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox, a young woman who tragically took her own life after relentless online bullying, the law criminalized online harassment, image-based abuse (such as revenge porn), and the intentional distribution of harmful communications.
For the first time, those who engaged in online abuse could face serious legal consequences, including fines and even prison time. It sent a clear message that online actions have real-world repercussions, and it gave victims a legal avenue to seek justice.
However, while Coco’s Law was a milestone, it doesn’t go far enough. Here’s why:
- It’s Reactive, Not Preventative – The law punishes offenders after the harm has already been done, rather than preventing abuse from happening in the first place. Young people need stronger protections that stop harassment before it escalates.
- Trolling & General Hate Speech Aren’t Fully Covered – While Coco’s Law targets direct harassment and image-based abuse, it doesn’t address the broader culture of online hate, including anonymous trolling, group-led pile-ons, and the toxic comment sections that are breeding grounds for abuse.
- Victims Still Struggle to Get Justice – Even with the law in place, reporting mechanisms are slow and ineffective, and many victims feel like they’re left to deal with online abuse alone. Law enforcement lacks the resources to properly enforce the legislation, meaning offenders often go unpunished.
Coco’s Law was an important first step, but it was just that—a step. It’s time for the government to take the next leap forward and create stronger, more comprehensive online safety laws that actually protect young people.
We Have Laws For Mythical Creatures?
In 2009 – Leprechauns were given a special protected status under EU Law which obliges Member States to establish a system of strict protection for those species. Basically, it means we all have to work together to ensure they are safe and protected from any harm.
So, right now, we’ve got laws about mythical creatures, but not ones that properly protect people online
We should be living in a world that more effectively protects its own citizens from online abuse.
The Leprechaun Law Campaign: A Creative Way to Take Action
Now let’s talk about Leprechauns again (because who doesn’t love Leprechauns?). If Leprechauns are protected by law, why not become one? That’s right—we’re inviting everyone to become honorary Leprechauns law to make a point about Ireland’s outdated online hate laws.
By becoming a Leprechaun, you’ll be part of a movement demanding better protections for young people online—a movement that says enough is enough.
Become a Leprechaun!
Ready to join the ranks? Sign the petition now and become a leprechaun for change! Together, we can push this issue onto the government’s agenda and demand real change.
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly