Jackie & Coco: One mother’s campaign to enact online bullying legislation

A NEW documentary Jackie & Coco, premiering this evening on RTE, follows the six-year journey of local mother Jackie Fox after her daughter’s tragic suicide due to online bullying.

Originally from Old Bawn in Tallaght, Jackie’s daughter Nicole, who was raised in Clondalkin, died by suicide on January 20, 2018. She was 21 years of age.

Since the loss of her beloved daughter, Jackie has continued to share Nicole’s story and alongside delivering talks in schools on suicide awareness and the impact of online bullying, campaigned for legislation to be enshrined in law. 

Through Jackie’s dedication, the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill, known as Coco’s Law, was enacted in December 2021. 

Jackie with a photograph of her daughter, Nicole

This Monday, January 22, Jackie’s extraordinary story of loss, love and dedication will be captured in a documentary film by Ger Walsh.

Ger reached out to Jackie in 2018 and began filming Jackie’s journey as she progressed through her campaign to enact Coco’s Law.

Speaking to RTE, Ger said: “Throughout this process, I witnessed Jackie’s determination and drive to make everyone aware of her daughter’s tragic passing, and to cement a legacy for Nicole.

“I saw how she struggled before every meeting or speech, how she fought through the nerves and the anguish she suffered every day – she never wavered, not once.”

He added: “It wasn’t until after Jackie managed to get the law passed that we considered making a documentary from the footage.

“I reached out to several different production companies and acquaintances to get this project to the right people, but it wasn’t until I met Alex Fegan that the possibility became a reality.

“Alex is a brilliant filmmaker and producer who approached RTE on my behalf and presented what we had. After hearing how much of the story had been captured, RTE quickly came on board.

“Jackie was about to embark on a whole new journey to make Coco’s Law an EU-wide Directive, which brought the team to Brussels, Strasbourg, Slovenia and Croatia.”

Six years after Ger began documenting Jackie’s journey, the film will air on RTE tonight.

“It’s been almost 6 years since I first met Jackie Fox, and going through the footage we had captured over those years was a real eye opener”, he said.

“The strength and determination she displayed from day one of Nicole’s death is nothing short of astonishing and I feel privileged that she would trust me and allow me into her life to help her in any way.

“She is a true hero and I hope someday she finds peace, knowing that she set out to achieve something that a lot of people would have deemed impossible.”

Jackie & Coco will air on RTE One on Monday, January 22, at 9.35pm.

It will also be available on RTE Player. 

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Call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or Childline 1800 666 666.