SEARCH RESULTS

Full letter...... Dear Parliamentarians, We are not writing as activists or advocates. We are writing as mothers and fathers whose children are no longer here. We are writing as parents who wake up every day to a silence that should not exist, who go to bed knowing there will be no goodnight, no laughter, no future with the child we raised and loved. The decision by MPs not to raise the age limit for harmful social media platforms to 16 was not just disappointing; it was devastating. The Government's offer, a consultation with no binding commitment and no fixed endpoint, is not an answer to a problem that has already claimed too many young lives. We have already lost our children. We cannot accept a process that risks losing more as discussions continue. We have watched technology companies fight every attempt at meaningful reform. We know how they operate. We know how easily protections are delayed, diluted or quietly dropped when there is no firm legislative commitment. We are also deeply concerned about the consultation itself. It was announced at the eleventh hour, in the days before your previous vote. It proposes an expert panel of academics but leaves little or no space for those on the frontline, those who see the consequences every single day, such as GPs, police officers and others dealing with the reality of harm as it unfolds. Beyond this, the Government is seeking powers that would allow future measures to be introduced with little or no opportunity for you, as elected representatives, to scrutinise or challenge them. We cannot ignore what this means. It means there is a real risk of half-measures. Measures that sound like action, but do not prevent harm. Measures that will not stop other families from becoming like ours, families who are left desperately sad and broken forever. And if those measures are passed in this way, you may not have the chance to stop them. More parents will lose their children in circumstances that could and should have been prevented. And while others move on, we are the ones left behind, serving a life sentence without our children. More families will sit in rooms filled with their child’s belongings, knowing they will never be used again. More birthdays will become anniversaries. And right now, across the UK, parents are not waiting for consultations or future reviews. They are watching their children scroll, message and engage on platforms they know are not safe. They are trying to set boundaries without the support of the law. They are fearful, overwhelmed and doing their best to protect their children in a system that is not designed to help them. They are asking you. They are pleading with you to act now. To give them something they do not currently have: the ability to say no, backed by law the ability to protect their children before harm happens, not after You voted for change in January, and you were right to do so. Lord Nash’s cross-party amendment provides time for implementation, involves the Chief Medical Officer, and represents a careful, considered and credible path forward. It is a commitment to act. That commitment is what is missing from the Government’s position. We are left with bedrooms that remain untouched, phones that will never light up again, and questions that will never be answered. We are not here because this is our profession. We are here because this is our reality. And we are asking you, with everything we have left, to act so that other parents do not have to live it too. Please vote today to reject the Government’s amendments. Please vote for Lord Nash’s cross-party amendment. Please vote to raise the age. Yours sincerely, Ellen Roome MBE (Mother of Jools Sweeney) and co-signed by the following bereaved parents: Amanda Stephens (Mother of Olly Stephens) Areti Nicolaou (Mother of Christoforos) Beth Layton (Mother to Elsa Layton-Jones) Eliza Gabb (Mother of Sky Gabb) Esther Ghey (Mother of Brianna Ghey) George Nicolaou (Father of Christoforos) Hollie Dance (Mother of Archie Battersbee) Ian Banyard (Father to Lacey Banyard) Lisa Kenevan (Mother of Isaac Kenevan) Lorin LaFave (Mother of Breck Bednar) Mariano Janin (Father of Mia Janin) Matthew Sweeney (Father of Jools Sweeney) Michael Absalom (Father of Kady Absalom) Michelle Barrett (Mother of Kibi Wade) Michelle Gardner (Stepmother of Kibi Wade) Penny Banyard (Mother to Lacey Banyard) Ruth Moss (Mother to Sophie Moss) Stuart Stephens (Father of Olly Stephens) Tanya Absalom (Mother of Kady Absalom) Terry Layton (Father to Elsa Layton-Jones)

Front Page of The Mirror 17th Feb 2026

Today, I am sharing a letter sent from Baroness Kidron to Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, seeking his permission (a fiat ) to apply to the High Court for a new inquest into the death of my son, Jools. I am asking for a new inquest because the original inquest into Jools’ death lasted just 23 minutes. No witnesses were called. No meaningful evidence was gathered. Crucially, Jools’ online activity was not examined properly. Since that inquest, serious new information has emerged. Gloucestershire Police have now agreed to re-investigate Jools’ death, following the identification of significant investigative failings by an independent former senior investigating officer and now private Dectective Mick Randall and safeguarding expert Mark Bramah , and the discovery of new forensic evidence from Jools’ devices. The police’s acknowledgement that their original investigation was inadequate inevitably raises serious questions about the adequacy of the inquest that followed. There has also been an important change in the law. Under the Online Safety Act 2023, coroners now have powers to request relevant data from social media companies via Ofcom. That data was not available to the coroner at the time of Jools’ inquest, despite written confirmation from platforms that it was preserved. A new inquest would, for the first time, be able to consider this evidence properly. This is not just about my family. A full and lawful inquest could identify lessons that help prevent future child deaths and improve how the system responds when a child dies in circumstances involving online harm. I am deeply grateful to the many peers, MPs, experts, and organisations who have signed this letter in support. Thank you in particular to Paul Wright of Alliance 4 Children for organising many of the signatures and helping bring so many voices together. Their backing reflects a shared belief that the truth matters, and that families are entitled to answers when a child dies. For Jools. And for other children who deserve better protection. #JoolsLaw #Inquest #OnlineSafety #ProtectChildren #Accountability #Justice

News Articles The Mirror 7 May 2026 Mirror poll reveals even more people support social media ban for under 16s Read Article Stylist 3 May 2026 "When my son died without explanation, I couldn't access his online life. NowI've changed the law" Read Article BBC News 28 April 2026 Social media restrictions for under-16s even if no ban, minister says Read Article The Telegraph 27 April 2026 Lords defeat Labour for fourth time on social media ban for children Read Article LBC 26 April 2026 Lords to vote on move to delay social media ban Read Article The Mirror 26 April 2026 Bereaved mother urges social media ban for children ahead of Lords debate Read Article LBC 20 April 2026 Peer backing social media ban says there’s ‘no time for game-playing’ ahead of vote Read Article Nation Cymru 20 April 2026 Peer advocating social media ban says there’s ‘no time for game-playing’ ahead of vote Read Article The Telegraph 20 April 2026 Labour in new dispute with Lords over social media ban Read Article National Cyber Security 19 April 2026 TikTok faces lawsuit from parents of UK teens over alleged challenge-related deaths Read Article GB News 19 April 2026 Labour calls for greater youth input on online safety amid calls for a social media ban Read Article Inside Telecom 17 April 2026 Starmer’s plan to protect UK children from social media Read Article interactive investor 17 April 2026 Reeves says UK must take time on child social media restrictions Read Article LBC 16 April 2026 No more meetings and photo ops, Keir Starmer must act now on online safety, writes Ellen Roome Read Article LBC 16 April 2026 We need to tackle ‘junk information’ online, says Streeting - as he agrees to meet mother whose son took his own life in online challenge Read Article LBC 16 April 2026 PM hints social media ban for children IS coming as he vows to act Read Article The Express 16 April 2026 Fury as Labour blocks age limits on social media - 'How many more children must die?' Read Article GB News 16 April 2026 Keir Starmer summons social media bosses to No10 as Labour weighs new restrictions Read Article Metro 15 April 2026 How Many More Children Must Die? - Parents call for action on social media Read Article The Guardian 15 April 2026 MPs vote against social media ban for under-16s a second time Read Article LBC 15 April 2026 Tech bosses summoned to Downing Street as PM urges new protections for children on social media Read Article The Mirror 14 April 2026 TikTok Boss Questioned Over Teen Death Concerns Read Article The Mirror 13 April 2026 EXCLUSIVE: Lauren Cowell on the heartbreaking reason she wants social media law change Read Article Daily Mail 4 April 2026 My son was last seen laughing with his best friend, an hour later I found him dead in his bedroom - I blame social media and will not rest until Silicon Valley takes responsibility for their 'dangerous' products Read Article Outlook Business 1 April 2026 Riots, Frauds and Threats to Sovereignty: The Dark Side of Safe Harbour to Big Tech in India Read Article The Spectator 29 March 2026 A social media ban for under-16s is long overdue Read Article The Times 26 March 2026 It’s too late for us. Tech giants’ money won’t bring our children back Read Article BBC News 25 March 2026 Campaigners welcome Meta and YouTube's defeat in landmark social media addiction trial Read Article LBC 25 March 2026 Don't let more children die’: Grieving mothers issue urgent plea to ban social media for U-16s ahead of crunch vote Read Article Sky News 25 March 2026 Bereaved mother's message to Starmer on social media ban Read Article BBC News 18 March 2026 Mum seeks new inquest into online challenge death Read Article LBC 16 March 2026 Mother wins approval to seek new inquest into son’s death over alleged online ‘blackout challenge’ Read Article The Mirror 10 March 2026 Bereaved mum makes demand to 'save' other parents' kids after her son's death Read Article BBC 10 March 2026 Mum 'frustrated' as social media ban rejected Read Article Punchline 10 March 2026 Cheltenham mum not giving up after MPs reject social media ban for under-16s Read Article The Independent 6 March 2026 Bereaved parents urge MPs to support social media ban for under-16s Read Article The Times 17 February 2026 After my son died I got social media law changed — now to ban it Read Article So Glos 16 February 2026 'No platform gets a free pass' – Cheltenham mum and social media safety activist achieves landmark change in law Read Article BBC 16 February 2026 Bereaved mum in tears as data campaign to become law Read Article People 16 February 2026 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Highlight a Mother’s Fight That Changed U.K. Law: 'One Parent Can Change Everything' Read Article GB News 16 February 2026 Mother of teenager who died during online 'blackout' challenge hails 'fantastic' social media ban Read Article BBC News 28 January 2026 Grieving mum gains support for new data sharing law Read Article Sky News 27 January 2026 How one teenager’s death could change how social media companies operate Read Article LBC 26 January 2026 Bereaved parents claim regulator not keeping children safe online Read Article BBC News 25 January 2026 Bereaved parents fear delays to social media ban could harm children Read Article Daily Mail 22 January 2026 My happy 14-year-old son ate pizza and played football with a friend... a few hours later, he was dead. I still don't know what happened in his final moments - but I have my suspicions and all parents must heed my warning Read Article Mirror 22 January 2026 'TikTok won't let me see what my son was watching on his phone just before he died' Read Article BBC News 20 January 2026 Mother joins bereaved parents at minister meeting Read Article The Independent 20 January 2026 Six families sue TikTok after their kids die trying viral ‘choking challenge’ Read Article GB News 19 January 2026 Mother launches legal action against TikTok over death of teen son after 'refusing' her access to his data Read Article The Daily Telegrapgh -AUSTRALIA 17 January 2026 http://‘Deeply painful’: Mother sues TikTok over son’s death Read Article BBC News 17 January 2026 Grieving mum suing TikTok says hearing was 'painful' Read Article LBC 16 January 2026 Boy, 14, died in mother’s arms after viral challenge - and she’s suing TikTok for answers in US court Read Article BBC News 16 January 2026 Bereaved mother hopes for TikTok 'accountability' Read Article Mirror 16 January 2026 Mum suing TikTok over death of child gives parents chilling warning Read Article Daily Mail 16 January 2026 British parents fighting TikTok in US courts over 'blackout challenge' deaths of their children say social media giants must be held accountable Read Article ITV News 16 January 2026 'We have a global problem': The UK families suing TikTok in the US over the deaths of their children Read Article The Independent 16 January 2026 Five British families sue TikTok over deaths of their children in landmark US case Read Article The sun 16 January 2026 ‘THEY’RE LAUGHING AT US’ My son Jools, 14, died in my arms after deadly viral challenge – now I’m suing TikTok in US court for answers Read Article Sky News 16 January 2026 Parents say their children died taking part in viral trend - now they're set to face TikTok in court Read Article ITV News 13 January 2026 Mother from Cheltenham bringing legal action against TikTok in the US over her son's death Read Article BBC News 12 January 2026 Bereaved mum hopes phone data could hold evidence Read Article Punchline 12 January 2026 Cheltenham mum sues TikTok in US court Read Article BBC News 11 January 2026 TV drama being made about bereaved mum's fight Read Article So Glos 30 December 2025 Campaigner Ellen Roome awarded MBE in New Year's honours Read Article The Independent 30 December 2025 Mother made MBE for online safety campaign after death of teenage son Read Article BBC News 30 December 2025 Bereaved mum who is campaigning for law change appointed MBE Read Article ITV News West 30 December 2025 Mother made MBE for online safety campaign after death of teenage son Read Article So Glos 11 December 2025 Gloucestershire mum and campaigner Ellen Roome signs rights for new factual drama Read Article BBC News 9 December 2025 Bereaved mum one step closer to online law change Read Article Broadcast 1 December 2025 Featuristic Films preps Ellen Roome factual drama Read Article BBC News 1 December 2025 Mum welcomes fresh review of son's online devices Read Article ITV News 4 August 2025 Bereaved Cheltenham mum launches free online safety resource for children Read Article Punchline 28 July 2025 New law ‘doesn’t go far enough’ Read Article Sky News 25 July 2025 New internet rules enforced from today - but this grieving mother is sceptical they will work Read Article Punchline 23 July 2025 Bereaved families call for urgent change in law Read Article Woman Magazine 22 July 2025 Woman Magazine - Why are our Kids risking their lives for clicks? Read Article Cheltenham Post 14 July 2025 Parents unite to combat internet dangers for children Read Article So Glos 2 July 2025 Bereaved Cheltenham mum launches free online safety resource for children Read Article Punchline 30 June 2025 Gloucestershire mum launches online safety resource for schools Read Article National World 30 June 2025 ‘Click or Quit?’': Bereaved parents unite to launch free life-saving online safety resource for schools and families Read Article The Guardian 18 June 2025 For Jools: one mother’s fight for the truth about her son’s death Read Article Punchline 20 May 2025 Max backs call for tighter social media controls for under-16s Read Article Daily Mail 18 May 2025 Mother who fears her son died taking part in an online challenge battles for changes to the government's Data Bill Read Article BBC News 16 May 2025 'I want to understand why my son is not here' Read Article ITV News 15 May 2025 Mother hopeful law change will allow other bereaved parents access to children's phone data Read Article ITV News 8 May 2025 Bereaved mother continues fight for change in data laws after teenage son took his own life Read Article BBC News 8 May 2025 Bereaved mother 'drained' by campaign to change law Read Article The Times 5 May 2025 Let me see my son’s social media, bereaved mother demands Read Article BBC News 5 May 2025 Bereaved mum backs data disclosure law change Read Article BBC News 24 April 2025 Bereaved parents demand tech firms 'protect children' Read Article Mirror 24 April 2025 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle join bereaved families demanding social media action Read Article Independent 30 March 2025 As UK families grieve, can one determined country stop social media from harming children? Read Article RTE 23 February 2025 UK families take case against TikTok over child deaths Read Article The Sun 21 February 2025 VIRAL HORROR We’re suing TikTok to find out why our children died doing the ‘Black Out’ Challenge – we’ve been forced down this route Read Article The Guardian 21 February 2025 UK parents suing TikTok over children’s deaths ‘suspicious’ about data claims Read Article Mirror 14 February 2025 'I'm taking on Meta and Snapchat after my teen son died in sick challenge' Read Article The Times 13 February 2025 One woman’s quest to discover what led to the death of her son Read Article Gloucestershire Live 13 February 2025 Blow to Cheltenham mum looking to TikTok for answers over the death of her son Read Article Metro 11 February 2025 Mum seeking answers over son’s death says social media firms ‘don’t give a damn’ Read Article

Let's Chat Phone +44 79710 05498 Email ellenroome@icloud.com Contact Feel free to get in touch with any questions, support, or media enquiries. Let's Chat Phone +44 79710 05498 Email ellenroome@icloud.com Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Ellen Roome MBE I am a mother on a mission to find answers for my son, Jools, and to make sure no other family is left searching for the truth after losing a child. Jools was my only child. He died in April 2022. In the days that followed, I discovered something that shocked me. The systems we rely on to investigate a child’s death are not equipped for a digital world. Social media companies hold critical information about what children see, share and are exposed to online. Yet in practice, that data can be lost within hours or days, often before families or coroners even know what to ask for. I was left without answers. That is why I founded Jools’ Law. Turning Pain into Purpose What began as a personal search for answers became an international campaign for change. Jools’ Law called for the automatic preservation of a child’s digital data after death, so that vital evidence is not lost and the truth can be properly understood. That change has now been achieved. It will not change what happened to Jools. But it will change what happens next for other families. The Next Fight My work does not stop here. I am now campaigning to raise the age of social media to 16, to better protect children from harmful content online. At the same time, I continue my personal fight for answers about what happened to Jools. I am currently awaiting an update from the police, as well as a High Court hearing date for my application for a new inquest, where Jools’ digital activity can finally be properly examined. Why This Still Matters Content is pushed to children by algorithms, not searched for. Evidence can disappear before anyone knows it exists. Without proper protections and accountability, children remain at risk and families can still be left without answers. From One Voice to a National Movement Jools’ Law began with a petition. With just nine days remaining before a general election, I needed 100,000 signatures for Parliament to debate it. With the help of people who shared Jools’ story, it reached 126,033 signatures. It was debated in Parliament and became part of real legislative change. This has always been more than just my fight. It is for every family who deserves answers. Recognition On 30 December 2025, I was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to children’s online safety. This recognition belongs to every family who has stood alongside this campaign. Why I Continue No parent should have to fight this hard for answers. No child’s death should go unexplained because evidence was lost. Jools’ Law was the first step. Now we must go further to protect children before harm happens, not after.