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The first UK families to bring legal action against TikTok in the US, seeking accountability over online safety and harmful algorithmic content. Lawsuit against TikTok (updated 20th Jan 2026) The UK Parents Suing TikTok We are the first UK parents to sue TikTok in the United States, bringing legal action in the state of Delaware following the deaths of our children. We believe our children were exposed to extremely harmful content, promoted and amplified by TikTok’s algorithms. These cases raise serious questions about platform design, recommendation systems, and the duty of care owed to children. Despite repeated and lawful requests, TikTok has refused to release our children’s online activity data. This data is vital to understanding what content our children were shown, how it was promoted to them, and whether the platform played a role in their deaths. 👉 You can [read the full complaint here] . Who Is Involved The case now involves five British parents: Ellen Roome Lisa Kenevan Hollie Dance Liam Walsh Louise Gibson Together, we are standing up not only for our own children, Jools, Archie, Isaac, Maia, and Noah, but for every child and every family seeking truth. This case is about truth, transparency, and accountability. We have specialist US lawyers - Social Media Victims Law Center . Their care, attention to detail, and relentless drive for answers have been invaluable to us and many other families seeking accountability from social media platforms. Watch the BBC Documentary Our cases are featured in the BBC documentary The Families Taking TikTok to Court, with Laura Kuenssberg in conversation with the families involved. 🎥 Click here to watch on BBC iPlayer Court Update: TikTok Hearing and Outcome - Delaware Motion to Dismiss Hearing Our lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company ByteDance reached a crucial procedural stage on 16 January 2026 in Delaware, USA, when the court heard TikTok’s Motion to Dismiss. This hearing was not about the evidence itself, but about whether TikTok could have the case thrown out before any evidence is examined. For us as parents, it was an extremely difficult and emotional day. Sitting in a courtroom listening to abstract legal arguments about our children, while seeking answers about their deaths, was deeply painful. At the end of the hearing, the judge did not issue an immediate ruling. We are now awaiting (30-90 days) the court’s decision on whether the case will be dismissed or allowed to proceed. If the judge allows the case to continue, it will move into the Discovery phase. This is the stage at which TikTok could be legally required to disclose internal documents and our children’s online activity data, if that data has not already been deleted. This decision is pending. Whatever the outcome, we remain committed to pursuing truth, transparency, and accountability. Why This Hearing Matters The Motion to Dismiss is a critical gateway in the legal process. If the case proceeds, TikTok may be compelled to hand over evidence about the content our children were shown and how its algorithm promoted or amplified it. If the case is dismissed, we will carefully consider our legal options and continue to fight for answers through every available route. This case is not just about our families. It raises serious questions about platform design, algorithmic amplification, and the duty of care owed by global technology companies to children. Why I am Fighting for Jools’ Law If Jools’ Law already existed in the UK, families would not be forced to pursue answers through foreign courts. Jools’ Law would ensure that when a child dies: Their online data is automatically preserved, and That data is made available to the Coroner, not lost, deleted, or withheld. Without this safeguard, vital evidence disappears, families are left without answers, and opportunities to protect other children are lost. Our Commitment We continue this fight in loving memory of Jools, Archie, Isaac, Maia, and Noah, and for every child whose life has been affected by harmful online content. This is about truth. This is about accountability. And this is about protecting children. Following the Case You can track the legal progress via Delaware’s CourtConnect system: 🔗 View the Civil Docket Report for Case N25C-02-073 This unofficial docket provides a real-time overview of court filings, motions, hearing dates, and rulings.

How You Can Help People often ask how they can help. This page explains the practical ways to support the work of Jools’ Law. Support the work to change the law Financial Support I have no financial backing, and I am working on this full-time. The fight for Jools’ Law should never have fallen to a bereaved parent, but it has. Progress has only happened through persistence, pressure, and personal cost. Your support helps would help fund my work, including: Repeated travel to Parliament to push for legal reform, with train journeys to London often costing over £100 per trip Travel and accommodation for U.S. court proceedings against TikTok. Although legal fees are covered, I have personally funded flights and accommodation to ensure the case continues Ongoing specialist support from two former senior police investigators whose expertise has been essential to uncovering what was missed and holding systems to account. To date, I have spent £32,000 on legal fees and forensic analysis Every contribution helps keep this work moving forward. It supports the fight for answers, accountability, and systemic change so other families do not find themselves in my position, and we help to protect the children of the future. Donate Here Can you help with professional support? (Volunteer or Pro Bono) Business Card Printing From time to time, small practical support makes a real difference. If you are a printing company and would be willing to donate or sponsor a short run of professionally printed business cards for Jools’ Law, I would be incredibly grateful. These cards are used for meetings with MPs, charities, schools, and organisations working to protect children online. Web Designer I built this website myself using Wix, and I’m entirely self-taught. It’s been a labour of love to share Jools’ story and campaign for meaningful change. If you’re a web designer, developer, Wix expert, or creative professional with some time to spare, I would be incredibly grateful for your help to improve the design, layout, accessibility, and overall user experience of this site. Whether you can offer: Design improvements Layout refinements Mobile responsiveness checks Accessibility enhancements SEO and navigation support …anything you can contribute would be hugely appreciated, and would truly help Jools’ Law reach more people and supporters. Are you a Property Litigator? Alongside this work, I am also facing ongoing legal proceedings in my personal life. My former partner (not Jools’ Dad) has applied to the court for an Order for Sale, seeking to force the sale of the home I shared with my son, Jools. This has placed me under immense emotional, legal, and financial strain. For over a year, I have been covering the mortgage on my own, with no financial contribution from him, while also being forced to prepare the house for sale. This home is the last physical place where Jools lived. It holds his room, his belongings, and the quiet, ordinary moments of our life together. It is also the place where Jools died. The thought of leaving it is unbearable. I asked for more time before being forced to move because I am simply not ready to leave yet, but my request was refused. The court proceedings have not been withdrawn despite my putting my home on the market. Faced with these pressures, and in order to protect what limited funds I have left for investigating Jools’ death and continuing the work of Jools’ Law, I have made the very difficult decision to represent myself. I can no longer sustain the cost of property litigation alongside this campaign. If you are a property (TOLATA claim) litigation lawyer and can offer guidance or support, I would be deeply grateful to hear from you. Share accurate information You can also help by: Sharing clear information about Jools’ Law Helping others understand why digital evidence needs to be preserved immediately Directing policymakers, journalists, or professionals to this site Awareness helps prevent future families from facing the same barriers. A final word Jools’ Law exists to ensure that when a child dies, their digital life is protected with the same seriousness as physical evidence. Any support, whether practical, professional, or financial, helps make that possible. Thank you for taking the time to read and for any support you are able to give. Contact me

Ellen Roome MBE When my son Jools died in April 2022, I discovered how difficult it is for bereaved families to access their child’s online data. Social media companies hold vital evidence about what children see, share, and are exposed to online. Yet in practice, families and even coroners often cannot obtain this information in time, before it is deleted or lost. That is why I launched Jools’ Law – a campaign to ensure children’s social media data is automatically preserved the moment a death is reported, so coroners can establish the truth and families can get answers. Without this safeguard, evidence disappears, families are left without answers, and opportunities to protect other children are lost. What is Jools’ Law? Jools’ Law calls for: Automatic preservation of children’s online data within 5 days of a child's death. Release of that data to coroners, not directly to families, to ensure independence and safety Clear, standardised processes so evidence is not missed because coroners or parents do not know which platforms or data types to request Where the Current Law Falls Short Under the current Online Safety framework, two legal tools exist, but both have serious gaps: Data Preservation Notices (DPNs) Ofcom can issue preservation notices, but only if coroners already know which services to name. There is no default list of platforms, meaning vital data can still be missed. Coroner Information Notices (CINs) Coroners must already know what data exists and which platforms to request it from. Why These Gaps Matter In practice, this system fails families and coroners: Parents rarely have devices or usernames. In most cases, the police take them on the day a child dies. Harmful content is often delivered via algorithms, not searches, and may never be requested. Many coroners are not specialists in social media platforms and cannot request what they do not know exists. Inquests are often opened and then suspended, creating a dangerous gap during which data may be deleted. Without an automatic system, crucial evidence can be lost in the earliest days following a child’s death, when time is most critical. That is why Data Preservation Notices must be issued automatically at the point a child’s death is reported, regardless of the status of the inquest. Campaign Priorities Through Jools’ Law, my campaign focuses on: Automatic preservation, so no child’s data is lost in the crucial first hours and days Standardised guidance for coroners, including a clear “menu” of platforms and data categories Closing procedural gaps between police and coroners Parliamentary change, to strengthen existing laws and create new safeguards for bereaved families From Petition to Parliament Jools’ Law began with a government petition. It required 100,000 signatures to be debated in Parliament. Due to a sudden general election, I had just nine days to reach that goal. With the help of strangers who shared Jools’ story, the petition reached 126,033 signatures and was debated in Parliament. 👉 Read more about the petition and parliamentary debate Since then, I have continued to work with ministers and peers to push for stronger protections. While the Data (Use and Access) Act received Royal Assent, its provisions do not go far enough. Jools’ Law must go further to truly protect children’s data and give bereaved families answers. MBE What began as a mother searching for answers has grown into a national campaign. On 30th December 2025, this work was recognised with the award of an MBE in the King's 2026 New Year's Honours List for services to children’s online safety. At its heart, it remains about truth, accountability, and protecting other children. Why This Matters No parent should have to fight for scraps of information about their child’s final moments online. No coroner should have to guess which platforms might hold vital evidence. And no child’s death should go unexplained because data was deleted before anyone acted. Jools’ Law is simple: Automatic preservation of a child’s social media data when a death is reported. Baroness Kidron has now tabled amendments in the House of Lords to make data preservation automatic following the death of a child. Alongside Jools’ Law Alongside campaigning for Jools’ Law, I also work with and support: Click or Quit An online safety campaign with 1decision for children, schools, and parents. 👉 Read more about Click or Quit Papyrus – Prevention of Young Suicide I actively fundraise for Papyrus, the UK charity dedicated to preventing suicide in young people. 👉 Donate to Papyrus Bereaved Families for Online Safety A group of families united by loss, campaigning for stronger online safety laws and accountability from tech companies. 👉 Read more about Bereaved Families for Online Safety

Joolslaw - Automatic preservation of children’s online data when a death is reported. Ellen Roome is fighting for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain she has suffered. Jools' Law Jools’ Law is a UK campaign led by Ellen Roome MBE, calling for the automatic preservation of a child’s online and social media data within five days of death. Without preserved digital evidence, harm to children cannot be properly examined, and social media companies cannot be held to account. Jools’ Law: Protecting Children’s Digital Evidence After Death A UK campaign led by Ellen Roome MBE, calling for the automatic preservation of a child’s online and social media data when a child dies. When a child dies, their digital life can hold vital evidence about what happened. Messages, videos, search history, online interactions, and algorithmic exposure can disappear within hours or days. Currently, there is no automated process to preserve this data. Jools’ Law was founded following the death of Ellen's 14-year-old son, Jools, after critical questions about his online activity could not be answered because digital evidence was not looked at. The problem today • Children’s digital data is not automatically preserved after death • Families often do not know what to ask for or when, and are often not in a fit state to think of this. • Police and coroners can miss crucial digital evidence • Platforms may delete or overwrite data before it is secured What is Jools’ Law? Jools’ Law calls for: • Automatic preservation of a child’s online and social media data within five days of a child’s death • A clear, standardised process so digital evidence is not missed • Early protection of data to support investigations and inquests Why this matters Children’s digital lives are deeply embedded in their real lives. Online data can help confirm or rule out coercion, exploitation, grooming, sextortion, or exposure to harmful content. No parent should have to fight for answers about their child’s final moments online. No child’s death should go unexplained because digital evidence was lost before anyone acted. In one sentence Jools’ Law would ensure a child’s digital evidence is protected immediately, not after it is too late. How can you help? Lots happening in Jan.....

Ellen Roome achieved 126,033 petition signatures for Jools’ Law within days, resulting in a Parliamentary debate in January 2025 My Parliament Campaign 19 January 2026 - Meeting with Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for the Department of Science and Technology. There were about 25 bereaved parents but I dont have the image of all of us yet. 8 January 2026 - I've been told that the tabled amendment to the bill is likely to be discussed on 27th Jan. I plan to be there in the House of Lords when it is. 4 January 2026 - Sittings coming up on 7,13,15,20,22,27 Jan in the House of Lords to discuss Baroness Beeban Kidron's amendments to the Crime & Policing Bill wording. You can read the full tabled amendment here . 8 December 2025 - I met in the House of Lords with Baroness Beeban Kidron, Baroness Diana Barran and Baroness Nicky Morgan (Lord Clement-Jones couldn't make it). We worked through the proposed wording for the Crime and Policing Bill that reflects JoolsLaw. This amendment aims to ensure that when a child dies, their online data is automatically preserved so families and coroners can access the truth. 12th November 2025 - I have been invited to the House of Lords on 8 December for a meeting with: Baroness Beeban Kidron Baroness Diana Barran Baroness Nicky Morgan Lord Tim Clement-Jones These peers are the official sponsors of Baroness Kidron’s amendment. Up to four sponsors can support an amendment, including the peer who originally tables it, so having full backing at this stage is a very positive sign. 16th October 2025 - during Second Reading of the Crime and Policing Bill in the Lords, Baroness Beeban Kidron said she had “four further areas of concern.” Her first was the way Data Preservation Notices (DPNs) from the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 are working in practice. She reminded the House that peers had added provisions empowering coroners to require tech firms to preserve data when a child has died, noted that proposals for automatic preservation and statutory guidance were rejected, and said bereaved families still aren’t benefiting because notices aren’t used quickly enough or understood, and that she will table amendments to make the law work as intended. 23rd September 2025 – I responded to the Government’s consultation on Data Preservation Notices (DPNs) and Coroner Information Notices (CINs), highlighting gaps that put vital digital evidence at risk. I called for automatic preservation of a child’s social media data, standardised templates, and clear oversight to ensure bereaved families can access crucial information about their child’s final days. 14th August 2025 – met with Baroness Beeban Kidron OBE, a life peer in the UK House of Lords and internationally recognised for her work on children’s digital rights, online safety, and how the digital environment intersects with childhood. During our discussion, I raised my concerns that the new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, specifically Data Preservation Notices — is still not working properly in practice for bereaved families. 15th May 2025 – I met with Minister Jones (Department of Science and Technology), Minister Johnson (Home Office), and Minister Davies-Jones (Minister of Justice) to discuss the Data Bill. I stressed the urgent need for training for Police and Coroners so the powers in the Bill are understood and applied, ensuring no other bereaved parent is left without vital data. 13th January 2025 – My petition was debated in Parliament. MPs agreed that parents should have the right to seek answers using social media data when a child has died. I was offered a ministerial meeting and continued to press for an amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill. 17th July 2024 – During the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament, the Government confirmed that the Data (Use and Access) Bill would be reintroduced. 30th May 2024 – The petition closed with 126,033 signatures – well above the 100,000 threshold needed for a Parliamentary debate. 28th May 2024 – We reached 100,000 signatures. I was on a train to London and felt overwhelmed. 21st May 2024 – With just nine days before petitions were due to close early because of the General Election, I asked the public for one birthday wish: “Please sign and share my petition.” Grace Carter made another video appeal, which helped push signatures to the finish line. 27th April 2024 – I launched a government petition: #JoolsLaw – Parents to have full access to their children’s social media. My son Jools was 14 when he ended his life in 2022. Since then, I have never been able to access his accounts to see what might have contributed. Parents should have the right to access their children’s social media accounts, both while alive (to help keep them safe) and after death. Grace Carter, who I had never met before, reached out from Aphra and offered to create a video to support the petition. Her help was invaluable in building momentum.

Jools’ Law founder Ellen Roome signs life rights for a factual drama and documentary, sharing her campaign for truth, justice and online child safety. TV Drama – Factual Drama Series (Featuristic Films) Documentary – In Production (Hide & Seek Media) Featuristic Films has signed my life rights for a factual drama, and we are now awaiting commissioning. My life has been unimaginably hard since Jools died. An already unbearable loss has been compounded by the many challenges and failures that followed. This is not a path I ever expected to walk. But if speaking openly about the truth, the mistakes made, and the reality of life after losing my son helps even one family avoid this heartbreak, then I will keep speaking. I am profoundly grateful to the team at Featuristic, including Meredith Coral, Gary Wright and Charlotte Coleman, for believing this story matters. Their commitment to telling it honestly, without sanitising the pain or the flaws, means more to me than I can express. You will see me broken. You will see me on my knees. And you will see that, somehow, even when I do not want to, I keep going. I survive, and I fight with everything I have for change, so that other bereaved parents do not have to face what we have faced. As my wonderful Jools once said to me, words I have watched and listened to many times, “I know you can do this, Mum. Be strong and stay brave. I love you.” This drama highlights the gaps that failed Jools and continue to fail children today, particularly in social media data, safeguarding, and early investigative action. My campaigning for Jools’ Law exists because parents deserve the truth when the unthinkable happens. If this series can spark conversations, increase accountability, and help drive the change that is so desperately needed, then Jools’ short life will continue to have a powerful legacy. Hide & Seek Media has been walking alongside me for the past year and a half, quietly and respectfully documenting my journey. They are an incredibly thoughtful and compassionate team, always present with kindness and care during some very difficult moments. I trust them completely, and I am deeply grateful to have them tell this story. I am also lucky to say that their founder, Dominic Streeter, has become a true friend. Over time, he has come to know every part of my life, and that level of trust means everything to me. From the outset, I have been clear that I do not plan to hold back. I want you to see the truth of my life, including the pain and the difficulties, but also the progress being made, the determination to change the law, and my search for answers for Jools. They hope to travel with us to the United States for the TikTok hearing on 16th Jan, subject to permission to film in the courtroom. We are currently waiting to hear. The team last filmed on 10 December 2025, when they visited my home alongside my close friends Charmaine Callaghan and Claire Thomas.

News Articles 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 BBC News 11 February 2025 Data of four dead British teens may have been removed, says TikTok Read Article Euro Weekly 10 February 2025 Parents demand answers from TikTok after children’s tragic deaths Read Article BBC News 10 February 2025 Bereaved mum looks for answers after son's death Read Article The Standard 9 February 2025 Parents suing TikTok over children’s deaths ‘want answers’ Read Article News Cast 9 February 2025 Interview: The Families Taking TikTok to Court Read Article BBC News 8 February 2025 Parents suing TikTok over children's deaths say it 'has no compassion' Read Article Daily Mail 8 February 2025 TikTok sued over 'viral blackout challenge deaths': Bereaved families say 'we just want answers' as they demand access to their children's social media accounts Read Article ITV News 7 February 2025 'We just want answers': TikTok sued by parents of UK teens who allegedly died in viral trend Read Article Independent 7 February 2025 Bereaved families file US lawsuit against TikTok over access to children’s data Read Article BBC News 7 February 2025 TikTok sued by parents of UK teens after alleged challenge deaths Read Article The Guardian 7 February 2025 Parents sue TikTok over child deaths allegedly caused by ‘blackout challenge’ Read Article Punchline 7 February 2025 Cheltenham mum serves TikTok lawsuit Read Article TRT World 16 January 2025 After son dies by ‘suicide’, mother battles social media giants for answers Read Article Gloucestershire Live 15 January 2025 Cheltenham mum battling Snapchat and Meta after son took life in 'online challenge' Read Article The Sun 14 January 2025 TEEN TRAGEDY My son, 14, died in online challenge gone wrong but it’ll cost me £86k to find out why – I’m BLOCKED from his account Read Article BBC News 14 January 2025 Parents 'should have access to kids' social media' Read Article Mirror 13 January 2025 Mum fears son, 14, died in social media challenge gone wrong - now she has one request Read Article Express 13 January 2025 Bereaved mother brings battle to find out why her 14-year-old son died to Parliament Read Article Sky News 13 January 2025 MPs to debate Jools Law to allow bereaved parents access to children's social media Read Article ITV News 13 January 2025 What is Jools' Law and why are MPs talking about it? Read Article BBC News 10 January 2025 Bereaved mum looks for answers after son's death Read Article Punchline 7 January 2025 ‘Jools Law’ to be debated in Parliament Read Article So Glos 7 January 2025 Gloucestershire mum's petition to change law on social media is being debated in parliament Read Article Heald Sun - Australia 1 December 2024 Mum’s heartbreaking reason for backing social media age ban Read Article BBC News 29 November 2024 Bereaved mum's social media battle to be debated by MPs Read Article BBC News 28 November 2024 MPs told 'child online bullying is rife' Read Article The Telegraph 19 September 2024 Grieving families go round in circles sorting out a complex web of accounts Read Article El Pais 17 September 2024 ‘I just want to understand why he died’: A mother’s battle to find out if social media played a role in her son’s final days Read Article Metro 29 June 2024 Online pranks are killing children – but is there any way to stop them? Read Article Daily Record 17 June 2024 Heartbroken mum believes son died in online dare gone wrong Read Article Independent 17 June 2024 Mother left not knowing why son, 14, died battles social media companies for answers Read Article National World 12 June 2024 Instagram apologises for ‘ignoring’ requests from grieving mum for data that could relate to teen son’s death Read Article Good To Know 31 May 2024 ‘I want to know why my precious baby is no longer here’ mum’s heartbreaking plea to social media companies after teen’s tragic death Read Article The Guardian 29 May 2024 UK mother of boy who killed himself seeks right to access his social media Read Article So Glos 29 May 2024 Cheltenham mum's campaign to change the law on social media goes to parliament Read Article Hits Radio 28 May 2024 Petition for parents to access children's social media tops 100k Read Article Punchline 28 May 2024 Final push for petition to protect children Read Article Gloucestershire Live 27 May 2024 Family of teenager found dead at Gloucestershire home call for law to protect children Read Article Sky News 26 May 2024 Mother of Jools Sweeney, 14, who took his own life is fighting social media companies for his search history Read Article Punchline 14 May 2024 Parents call for law to protect children Read Article

Joolslaw - Give parents the right to view their deceased children's social media data. Ellen Roome is fighting for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain she has suffered. Behind the Scenes

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!

Joolslaw - Give parents the right to view their deceased children's social media data. Ellen Roome is fighting for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain she has suffered. Media Coverage Click here to watch 'The Families Taking Tiktok to Court" on BBC Iplayer. Play Video Play Video 19th Jan 2026 - GMB Five families who are suing TikTok in America over the deaths of their children have begun an agonising wait to see if their case will be taken to trial following a hearing in Delaware on Friday. Ellen Roome, Lisa Kenevan, Louise Gibson and Hollie Dance say they 'won't stop' until they get answers. Play Video Play Video British families sue TikTok in US British families sue TikTok in US Underscoring the tensions, a US state judge in Delaware on Jan. 16, 2026 hears TikTok's bid to dismiss a lawsuit filed last year by the parents of five British children who died while allegedly performing prank and challenge videos. The lawsuit alleged that TikTok's algorithms promoted dangerous content to children, including a so-called 'blackout challenge' that encouraged people to choke themselves. 'ByteDance harmed these children after its leadership knew that its programming decisions were resulting in the accidental deaths of children,' the lawsuit filed in the Delaware Superior Court said. Some of the children were below 13 years old. TikTok in 2022 secured the dismissal of a separate lawsuit accusing it of causing the death of a 10-year-old girl. STRINGR.COM / ABC AFFILIATE WPVI VIA REUTERS Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at [https://www.manilatimes.net](https://www.manilatimes.net/) Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein #TheManilaTimes #WorldNews Play Video Play Video Parents of UK Children Killed in TikTok Challenges Face Company in US Court Delaware Superior Court Jan 16, 2026 heard TikTok/ByteDance motion to dismiss lawsuit from 5 British families (Ellen Roome, Lisa Kenevan, Liam Walsh et al) claiming algorithms promoted deadly "blackout challenge" killing their kids under 13. Parents seek children's data (discovery phase if motion fails); TikTok cites 1st Amendment/CDA immunity, claims UK jurisdiction. Case could force data release if survives dismissal. #TikTokBlackoutChallenge #ChildDeathsTikTok #AlgorithmMurder #BereavedParents #SocialMediaKills #ByteDanceLawsuit #DelawareHearing #KidsNotContent #PlatformLiability #JoolsLaw --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn News English is your window into the latest news, insight, and features from South Asia and beyond. Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawndotcom/ Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawn_com Website: www.dawn.com Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnewsenglish #news #latestnews #dawnnewsenglish #dawnnews Play Video Play Video 6 families sue TikTok over deaths of their children after apparent 'choking challenge' Six families are suing TikTok , claiming the company's algorithm has a defect, is addictive, and targets minors with disturbing and troubling content. On Friday, a judge in Delaware heard a motion to dismiss the civil case on behalf of five British families and a Delaware family. The case centers on those six families whose children aged 11 to 17 allegedly took part in a choking challenge after seeing videos on the popular app. All died in recent years. #lawsuit #fyp #news https://6abc.com/post/families-sue-tiktok-deaths-children-apparent-choking-challenge/18417280/ Play Video Play Video BBC breakfast interview 15th Jan 2026 BBC breakfast interview before court case against Tiktok in Delaware US Play Video Play Video Bereaved parents hope for TikTok 'accountability' | BBC News A mother who is one of a group of British parents suing TikTok after the deaths of their children said she wants "accountability" from the social media firm. Ellen Roome is in the US for the first day of the hearing, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Centre. "It's about time we held them to account and said 'what are you showing our children?'" she said. The lawsuit claims her son Julian "Jools" Sweeney, Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Noah Gibson, and Maia Walsh all died while attempting a "blackout challenge". A TikTok spokesperson said: "We strictly prohibit content that promotes or encourages dangerous behaviour." Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #TikTok #BBCNews Play Video Play Video UK families suing TikTok in the US over the deaths of their children | Good Morning Britain Five British families are suing one of the biggest social media companies in the world TikTok, and its parent company ByteDance, for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children. Ellen Roome found her 14-year-old son, Jools, unconscious in his bedroom almost four years ago. An inquest found he took his own life - Ellen has always believed it was a popular online challenge that went wrong, but she could not get social media giant TikTok to give her access to Jools' accounts. After some back and forth, the company said it was a privacy issue. Ellen has always believed Jools' social media accounts could provide her with the answers. She is not alone in her quest - since Jools died in April 2022 she has been joined by parents in a similar situation. Their joint lawsuit claims that Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Julian "Jools" Sweeney, 14, Maia Walsh, 13, and Noah Gibson, 11, were harmed by algorithms which amplified harmful content to their pages. Isaac's mum Lisa Kenevan, Maia's dad Liam Walsh along with Ellen are now all heading for the States. Broadcast on 15/01/2026 Stream Good Morning Britain live, every weekday from 6am on the ITVX 📲 http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Subscribe now for more! http://bit.ly/1NbomQa Like, follow and subscribe to Good Morning Britain! The Good Morning Britain YouTube channel delivers you the news that you’re waking up to in the morning. From exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in politics and showbiz to heartwarming human interest stories and unmissable watch again moments. Join Susanna Reid, Ed Balls, Kate Garraway, Richard Madeley, Charlotte Hawkins and Sean Fletcher every weekday on ITV from 6am until 9 every weekday! ITVX: http://daytimelink.itv.com/WatchGMBYT Website: http://bit.ly/1GsZuha YouTube: http://bit.ly/1Ecy0g1 Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1HEDRMb Twitter: http://bit.ly/1xdLqU3 http://www.itv.com #GMB Play Video Play Video The bereaved parents taking TikTok to court Technology reporter Mickey Carroll has spoken to a group of parents, who say their legal action is about holding social media companies accountable, and making sure children are safe. They believe Isaac Kenevan, Archie Battersbee, Jools Sweeney, Maia Walsh and Noah Gibson, died after attempting dangerous challenges they'd seen online. If you've been affected by this story and want to talk to someone, you can call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or at jo@samaritans.org SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB Sky News Daily podcast is available for free here: https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily/ To enquire about licensing Sky News content, you can find more information here: https://news.sky.com/info/library-sales #tiktok #onlinesafety #parents Play Video Play Video ITV West County news before the Tiktok court hearing Jan 2026 Disscusion on upcoming trip to court hearing against Tiktok Play Video Play Video BBC Points West 12th Jan 2026 - BREAKING NEWS RE JOOLS' INVESTIGATION BREAKING NEWS RE JOOLS' INVESTIGATION Today I pre-recorded an interview with BBC News Points West. During that process, I was informed by the BBC that the police do, in fact, hold the original forensic image taken in April 2022, at the time my son Jools died. This original forensic image was never examined by police. I am also extremely concerned that I learned this information from the BBC rather than from Gloucestershire Constabulary, despite having explicitly asked this question in previous meetings and awaiting their response. Families should not have to discover fundamental facts about their child’s case through journalists. I also want to acknowledge Mick Randall, who was interviewed live for this piece. Mick is from Fedora Investigations and has been invaluable in getting us to this stage. His experience, persistence, and forensic rigour have brought scrutiny and challenge where it was long overdue. Without his professionalism and determination, we would not be here. Thank you, Mick. I sincerely hope this original forensic image now provides answers, clarity, and truth about what happened during the critical period before Jools died. This once again underlines why automatic preservation of children's online data - Jools'Law is essential! This must be standard practice from the outset. I will keep going until we have answers. Play Video Play Video ITV News West - 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome has been awarded an MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List. Play Video Play Video BBC Points West 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome has been awarded an MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List. Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast 30th Dec 2025 Ellen Roome is awarded MBE as a Campaigner, for services to Children’s Online Safety, in the King’s 2026 New Year Honours List Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast News 1st Dec 2025 Ellen Roome shared three important updates. 1) Gloucestershire Police have now escalated the review into the circumstances of Jools’ death following the independent report that highlighted serious golden-hour failings. 2) In Parliament, a tabled amendment in the House of Lords could finally change the Crime and Policing Bill so that children’s online data is automatically preserved after their death, preventing other families from facing the same barriers Ellen has. 3) Featuristic Films has begun work on a scripted TV drama based on Ellen's journey, shining a much wider light on the fight for truth, accountability and Jools’ Law. Play Video Play Video BBC Morning Live 14th Nov 2025 BBC Morning Live aired today, highlighting an issue no parent should ever have to fight for, access to their child’s digital data after death. Right now in the UK, when a child dies, there is no automatic data preservation notice. This means their online information — messages, searches, interactions, location data — can be deleted, altered or lost within hours. In Jools’ case, vital evidence from his final hours simply wasn’t preserved. His devices weren’t secured. His accounts weren’t frozen. The golden hour was missed. No parent should have to spend years battling for something that should happen instantly. Jools’ Law would fix this. It would require police and platforms to immediately preserve a child’s digital data so that the coroner can access it. This isn’t about blame. It’s about truth, safeguarding and ensuring no parent is left in the dark. Jools’ Law won’t help Jools now — but it will help other families get the answers they deserve. Play Video Play Video 15th Oct 2025 - Ellen Roome on Good Morning Britain discussing Instagram’s new teen account features I also mentioned the report now sitting in my inbox from Mick Randall at Fedora Investigations, with the latest findings from my private investigation into my son’s death.It’s taken a lot of strength to reach this point. I’ll find the courage to read these new developments this afternoon and then, with my team, decide how to move forward — for Jools, and for every child who deserves better protection online. #joolslaw #digitalaccountability #onlinesafety I Play Video Play Video What Instagram’s New “PG-13 Teen” Update Really Means for Parents - Sky News interview 14th Oct 2025 Instagram says teen accounts will now be guided by PG13 movie ratings. At first, that sounds positive, and anything that helps stop children from seeing harmful content is welcome. But the reality is we will have to wait and see what really happens. Is this a genuine change or just a PR stunt? Have they finally listened to parents and put extra protections in place for children? I am concerned about how easily teens can still create multiple accounts, one linked to their parents and others with fake ages. Without proper verification or stronger safeguards, harmful content will continue to slip through. Real safety means transparency, independent oversight, and genuine accountability, not marketing language. It would be wonderful to see a duty of candour and an overarching duty of care embedded into how these companies operate. Let’s hope this isn’t a PR stunt and that Meta is genuinely trying to do better. If so, this might be a small but meaningful step towards reducing the harms children face online. #JoolsLaw #OnlineSafety #ChildProtection #SocialMediaReform #DigitalAccountability Play Video Play Video 30th Sept 2025 with BBC breakfast. In principle, Data Preservation Notices (DPNs) sound helpful. In practice, they don’t work. These notices finally came into effect today Tuesday 30th September under the Online Safety Act. However when a child dies, an inquest is opened but then usually suspended pending the police investigation. At that point, the coroner loses control and the investigation passes back to the police. Unless the child’s online data is preserved immediately, crucial evidence can be lost. I know of several other parents in exactly this position: coroners have told them they cannot use the law under the Online Safety Act because the case has passed back to the police. This is crazy and it MUST change. That’s why I am fighting for #JoolsLaw: when a child dies, their online data should be preserved automatically. Only then will it be available for a proper investigation into their death. This isn’t about my son Jools, it’s too late for him/us. It’s about every family who deserves answers. (I also want to stress I was being sarcastic when I said the app LMK is safe, and I want to apologise for getting Kibi's name incorrect, I said Bibi). Play Video Play Video LBC Online Safety Day 2- 8th Sept 2025 Interview with Lady Sophie Winkleman, Katharine Birbalsingh (founder and headmistress of the Michaela Community School in London), and Ellen Roome discussing online safety. Play Video Play Video ITV West Country News 4th Aug 2025 Ellen Roome has been tirelessly fighting for legislative change since her 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, died by suicide in April 2022. Now, Ellen has joined forces with two other bereaved mothers who share her devastating experience of losing a child whilst being denied access to crucial phone data. Together, Ellen Roome, Hollie Dance, and Lisa Keneven have launched a groundbreaking, free online safety resource designed to educate children about the serious risks posed by dangerous internet challenges. United by unimaginable tragedy, the three mothers are demanding that both the government and social media platforms take far greater responsibility for protecting young people from harmful and inappropriate content that continues to circulate unchecked. Play Video Play Video BBC breakfast interview with Melanie Dawes Ofcom CEO I think it’s good that porn sites will be age verified, but I had hoped they would be age verification changes for children on #socialmedia. We now have to wait for September for this. It’s so slow. Children are still being harmed and dying. I didn’t get long enough to ask Melanie the questions I really wanted to ask, such as why WhatsApp is not regulated and when/if ever, they will be. Children are being groomed on this unregulated platform! It's not good enough. We need changes NOW. Such a shame we have to wait until September for age checks on social media #joolslaw Play Video Play Video Online harms and broken safeguards: voices from bereaved families In this powerful episode of Legal4Tech – The Podcast, recorded as part of the #Under24Hours project, we open a necessary and deeply human conversation on the real-world consequences of online harms. Joined by a group of courageous parents who lost their children due to content and dynamics on digital platforms, we reflect on the flaws in current safety frameworks, the silence of Big Tech, and the urgent need for stronger regulation. 💡 Explore topics like: - The barriers families face in accessing platform data - The failures of the Online Safety Act and GDPR interpretation - Platform design, algorithmic harm, and accountability - What real online safety would look like for future generations - Grassroots advocacy, collective strength, and resilience 🎧 Tune in now to hear the voices behind the movement to make tech safer — for everyone! 📌 Recorded during a special group interview hosted by the Legal4Tech team! 🔊 Part of the ongoing #Under24Hours series! Play Video Play Video How To Protect Your Kids Online in 2025 Worried about your child’s online safety in 2025? In this video, we share essential tips for parents on how to protect your kids online from preventing exposure to harmful content to understanding the latest digital threats. Stay informed with up-to-date trends in online safety, and learn practical, expert-backed steps you can take today to keep your child safe on the internet. Watch till the end for actionable advice every parent should know. What would you do if you saw something online that didn’t feel right? Ellen’s here to help us figure it out. Join Gabi and Marnie as they explore internet safety tips and how schools can support young people. This engaging and educational interview focuses on the importance of Internet Safety for children, featuring Ellen Room, a contributor to the Click or Quit resource. Hosted by Gabby and Mani as part of the Lessons for Life campaign, the conversation explores the risks children face online such as harmful content, online challenges, and sharing personal information and offers practical advice on how to respond. Ellen emphasises the need for children to talk to trusted adults when they encounter something unsettling and highlights the value of learning through repetition to reinforce safe online habits. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic education) in schools, comparing past and present approaches to teaching life skills. Ellen and the hosts stress the importance of educating not just students, but also parents and carers, about digital risks and how to protect children at home. A quiz segment adds an interactive and relatable touch, reinforcing key lessons through real-life scenarios. 00:00 Introduction to Online Safety 00:18 Introduction to the Interview 00:34 About the Click or Quit Assembly 01:04 What to Do When Encountering Harmful Content 01:31 Can There Be Too Many Safety Lessons? 02:01 Ellen’s Online Safety Campaign 02:50 Lessons for Life Campaign 03:31 Ellen’s Childhood PSHE Experience 04:06 Evolution of Life Skills Education 04:30 Interactive Q&A with Ellen on online safety 04:48 Question 1: Keeping Personal Info Private Online 06:00 Question 2: If You See Something Scary Online 06:42 Question 3: Saying No to Online Challenges 08:00 If You Could Change One Thing in Education 08:53 Supporting Parents and Carers 09:17 Life Lessons Ellen Wishes She Learned 09:53 Final Messages This show is powered by 1decision - https://www.1decision.co.uk/ Find out more about the Lessons4Life campaign - https://www.lessons4life.org/ Sign our petition - https://www.change.org/p/lessons4life-fixing-broken-britain Follow us - https://www.instagram.com/lessons4lifeuk_?igsh=NHhvMzA3MXNpdXVh #onlinesafety #podcast #joolslaw Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast 16th May 2025 My interview with BBC following my meeting with Ministers in Parliament Play Video Play Video BBC Breaskfast 16th May 2025 The BBC were allowed to film part of my meeting with Ministers in Parliament to discuss The Data Bill Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast 8th May 2025 Interview following my meeting with Rt Hon Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. Play Video Play Video Online Safety talk by Ellen Roome at The Annual Parish Meeting 2025 We are pleased to share the filmed talk by Ellen Roome, recorded at our Annual Parish Meeting on 30 April at Balcarras School, is now available to view online. In this moving and courageous presentation, Ellen shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 14-year-old son, Jools, to the hidden dangers of social media. She speaks about her fight to access his online data and her campaign to hold tech companies accountable for the harmful content reaching our children. Ellen also offers practical tips and essential advice for parents and carers on how to help keep children safe in the digital world. This is a must-watch for any parent, carer, or adult concerned about online safety. 👉 You can also download our joint CKPC & Ellen Roome digital safety leaflet, full of helpful guidance and recommended resources, on our website: https://www.charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk/online-safety Thank you again to Ellen, and to everyone who joined us for such an important evening. Play Video Play Video Lost Screen Memorial Recap Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast 28th April 2025 Discussing our march in New York against Meta and the Archewell Foundation Lost Screen Memorial. https://archewell.org/news/unveiling-the-lost-screen-memorial/ Play Video Play Video BBC Breakfast regarding Archewell Foundation Memorial and Meta Protest Load More

Applying to the High Court for a new inquest for Jools to try to use the new Date Use and Access Bill for answers. Police Investigation and Request for a New Inquest “I will keep going until I find the truth about what happened to my son and make sure no other parent has to fight this hard for answers.”— Ellen Roome, Jools’ Mum January 2026 12 January – The BBC came to film me about my busy week, and whilst with me, they received confirmation from Gloucestershire Police that they do indeed have the initial forensic imaging of Jools' phone from 26th April 2022, which had NEVER previously been reviewed. I'm shocked that I heard this from the BBC instead of the police, but delighted that they do, in fact, have it. 7 January – Email received from Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone at Gloucestershire Police. They have now formally confirmed that new investigative resources have been allocated to review outstanding lines of enquiry in relation to Jools’ death. A massive thank you to Mark Bramah & Mick Randall for their work in achieving this for us. Families should not have to fight for years to trigger basic investigative action. Progress should be automatic, immediate, and routine. That is why systemic reform is still needed and why Jools’ Law matters. December 2025 23 December - Met with Senior Investigating Officer, Gary Haskins , to discuss the review into Jools' case. This meeting took place a month after Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would undertake a review. I remain concerned that meaningful investigation has not yet begun. He informed us that we will hear more by mid January. Yet more waiting for us. 17 December - J. Paul Wright at Alliance 4 Children sent a letter to the Attorney General in support of my application (made by Harry Lambert at Outer Temple Chambers ) for a new inquest into the death of my son, Jools. He brought together 23 MPs and Peers from across Parliament, spanning parties and the Cross Benches. I am deeply grateful to Paul, the Alliance 4 Children team, and to every MP, Peer and organisation who has put their name to this request and stood with us in the search for truth, accountability and learning that could protect other children in the future. Thank you. New powers under the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 mean that coroners can now obtain a deceased child’s digital and social media data. These powers did not exist at the time of Jools’ inquest, and I do not feel that his inquest, which lasted just 23 minutes, without the benefit of examining the full evidence, was appropriate. This letter sets out why, in light of the changed legal framework and the strong public interest in understanding the role of digital harm in children’s lives, a new inquest is both necessary and justified. Additionally, Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed that my next meeting with them will take place on 23 December. It has now been a month since they were provided with the independent Fedora report from Mick Randall and the work from Mark Bramah (Child Safeguarding Expert), and I remain concerned that meaningful work has not yet begun. I feel that, because Jools is dead, this is not being treated as a priority, despite the report raising new lines of enquiry with them. This is not just about Jools. It is about ensuring our systems keep pace with children’s realities, and that digital evidence is never again ignored when a child dies. That is why I have been working in Parliament to change the law, so no other bereaved parent has to face what we have. 16 December - Saqib Bhatti MBE MP for Meriden and Solihull East has agreed to write to AG to back my application. I have had several others confirm to their constituents that they will support my application (but I dont have the letters to share), which is most kind. 12 December - Senior Investigating Officer Gary Haskins has arranged a meeting on 23 December with me, Mark Bramah and Mick Randall to discuss the independent review into Jools’ case. This meeting takes place nearly a month after Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would undertake a review. The meeting will be the first opportunity to understand what work, if any, has been carried out since the review was announced, how the Fedora report and original case material are being examined, and whether any new lines of enquiry have been identified. 9 December – Continuing to ask MPs and Peers from the House of Lords to back my application with the AG. My MP, Max Wilkinson, has sent a letter of support, as have Baroness Beeban Kidron & Baroness Diana Barran. 8 December – My application to the Attorney General (AG) for a FIAT is now in. Thank you to Harry Lambert, Outer Temple Chambers for all his work preparing this. 1 December – Ellen on BBC Breakfast providing an update as to police involvement (play video below) November 2025 28 November – Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed a full independent review of Jools’ case, led by newly appointed Senior Investigating Officer Gary Haskins , formerly Head of Major Crime. The review will examine all original case material alongside Fedora’s 23-page report, pursue any new lines of enquiry, and reassess the original outcome. Police have committed to a rigorous, transparent process. 21 November – A positive meeting was held with Gloucestershire Constabulary, who were genuinely caring in their approach. We are now awaiting their formal response, giving them the necessary time to review Fedora’s 23-page independent report. They have confirmed they will reply by 28 November. 2 November – Meeting confirmed for 21 November with Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone ; Detective Superintendent Steve Bean (Head of Public Protection); Mick Randall (Fedora Investigations); Mark Bramah (former Senior Investigating Officer); Matt Sweeney (Jools’ dad); and me. October 2025 24 October – Emailed Assistant Chief Constable Richard Ocone at Gloucestershire Police to request a meeting to discuss major concerns about Jools’ case. 16 October – Received a comprehensive 23-page report from Mick Randall (Fedora Investigations ). It provides an independent and detailed review of how Gloucestershire Police handled Jools’ case and highlights serious failings. September 2025 7 September – A highly experienced forensic specialist re-examined Jools’ devices. 5 September – I’ve written a full ‘brain dump’ of Jools’ last day . Every moment, every tiny detail I can remember, laid out in a timeline. It was incredibly painful to relive, but the experts asked me to do this so they could piece together what happened, and so much was overlooked in the original investigation. Even something as simple as Jools wearing different clothes when I found him compared to earlier in the day… why wasn’t this noticed? Is it relevant? I don’t know. But now, I must let the experts do their job. I am beyond grateful for their kindness in helping me. 4 September – Had a two-hour meeting with two former Senior Investigating Officers and my barrister, Harry Lambert . For the first time, I finally felt heard. What I have always believed was overlooked has now been confirmed as entirely reasonable and correct. Their words, not mine. August 2025 31 August 2025 – I’m now gathering every piece of evidence and paperwork to submit my application to the Attorney General. On Thursday, I have an important meeting with a former Senior Investigating Officer and a forensic expert, both of whom have kindly offered to help me review the police report. It’s a huge step forward — finally looking at what was done, and what wasn’t, at the original inquest with people who truly understand the process. All of this will then go to my barrister , who is also a coroner , and has generously offered to represent me without charge . I am deeply grateful for the people who have come forward to help, but it’s still such a painful journey, piecing everything together and wondering how so much could have been missed. 19 August 2025 – I finally received the police report . Sadly, it contains no new information. I have sent it straight to my lawyers for review, but it’s hard not to feel disheartened. Every delay and every blank page is another reminder of how far I still have to go to uncover the truth about what happened to Jools. 18 August 2025 – I emailed the Minister, Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE , to complain that Gloucestershire Police had failed to respond to my request for the overdue report and now appeared to be ignoring my emails. 9 August 2025 – Back on 7 July, Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Legal Services Department told me I would receive the police report on Jools’ devices by 4 August . Then I was told it would arrive by the end of this week, which I assumed meant yesterday. Perhaps their definition of “the end of the week” is different. Either way, the report has still not arrived. I have chased again. The waiting never seems to end. July 2025 23 July 2025 – I received a letter from Minister Alex Davies-Jones at the Ministry of Justice . She wrote that while she and her colleagues deeply sympathise with my loss and my determination to find the truth, they cannot formally support my application for a fresh inquest. The decision must be made independently by the Attorney General , who alone can grant a Fiat (permission) for a new investigation. Although disappointing, she acknowledged the importance of my campaign and my ongoing efforts to seek answers. 17 July 2025 – I wrote again to Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , raising my concerns about the app LMK and about WhatsApp . The children’s codes do not cover these private messaging platforms in the Online Safety Act because they are encrypted and not public platforms. Yet they are often used by predators to move children from open platforms into private chats, away from safety and oversight. This loophole continues to put children at risk. 16 July 2025 – Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology , replied to me, and you can see his letter here. 7 July 2025 – The Police Legal Team confirmed that I would receive their full report by 4 August. June to July 2025 2 July 2025 – I wrote to Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Legal Team requesting complete clarity on what data was reviewed, how, and when. I also asked which of Jools’ social media accounts the police located before the inquest. I can only hope this doesn’t take another nine months to receive, as it did when I first asked for the police file on Jools. When that file finally came, much of it was redacted. I raised this with Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention , and was told: “When responding to a data subject access request pursuant to the Data Protection Act 2018, the law allows law enforcement authorities, in this case the Gloucestershire Constabulary, to restrict the response (for example by redacting) if that is necessary and proportionate for a range of circumstances, including to avoid prejudicing the prevention, detection or investigation of criminal offences or to protect the rights and freedoms of others.” It was another reminder of how hard it is for parents to access the very information that could explain what happened to their children. 26 June 2025 – I wrote to the following ministers asking for their support in my application to the Attorney General for a new inquest for Jools: Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Justice Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP , Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Baroness Maggie Jones , Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, DSIT May to June 2025 6 June 2025 – The Coroner returned several documents. The next step is to obtain statements from Jools’ friends. 27 May 2025 – I wrote formally to the Coroner. After Jools’ inquest , I only ever received the final inquest pack, but lawyers have since told me there should have been more documentation shared. I’ve asked to see the full records and have requested that the Coroner support my application for a fresh inquest . Jools’ inquest file had been archived, so I am now waiting for it to be returned. It’s another slow, emotional process, but one that I have to see through to the end. How can you help?