A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of online intimate image abuse.
Delivered jointly by online safety charity CyberSafeKids and the Irish Internet Hotline, and supported by Community Foundation Ireland, the ‘It’s Not The End of the World’ campaign specifically targets young people aged 13 to 17, reports RTE.
It is aimed at empowering children and young people to understand what intimate image abuse is and how to access support.
The Irish Internet Hotline recently published new data showing a dramatic 66% increase in reports of intimate image abuse in 2025, with children and young people identified as a particularly at-risk group, reports RTE.
For cases involving publicly accessible imagery, the Irish Internet Hotline achieved a 96% removal rate in 2025.
Since the introduction of Coco’s Law in 2021, which made the non-consensual sharing of intimate images a criminal offence in Ireland, reports have risen steadily year-on-year, reports RTE.
Intimate image abuse encompasses a broad range of harmful activities involving personal intimate imagery, from non-consensual sharing of images to threats of exposure and sexual extortion.
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“We know that for many young people, sharing intimate images is seen as normal,” said Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids, reports RTE.
“It isn’t, and we have to challenge that head-on.
“Young people need to understand what abuse looks like, that help exists, and that images can be removed and situations resolved without fear of judgement or shame,” Ms Cooney said, reports RTE.
Mick Moran, Chief Executive of the Irish Internet Hotline, said intimate image abuse is not rare and is affecting children as well as adults.
“The fear, humiliation, and psychological harm caused by threats to share intimate images can be devastating for young people, even if the images are never posted publicly,” Mr Moran said, reports RTE.
“We need stronger awareness, prevention, and support for victims, and that is exactly what this campaign aims to deliver,” he added.
The awareness campaign includes a free downloadable guide offering advice, help and resources for children and young people dealing with intimate image abuse, reports RTE.
There are also three short videos highlighting difficult scenarios young people may encounter.
“This campaign offers leadership, guidance, and support, often in moments when young people feel traumatised and alone,” said Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, reports RTE.
“Strategic in nature, the campaign offers accessible supports and awareness raising that will spark conversations at home, in youth clubs, classrooms, and workplaces,” Ms Charlton added, reports RTE.
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