SEARCH RESULTS

Read the story behind the new inquest into Jools Sweeney's death. Discover how missing online evidence led to a landmark High Court ruling and inspired Jools' Law to improve investigations following a child's death. Police Investigation and High Court Hearing “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 High Court Orders Fresh Inquest into the Death of Jools in Landmark Ruling On Thursday 16 July 2026, the High Court, sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, granted my application for a fresh inquest into the death of my son, Jools. This is a landmark decision that I believe is the first of its kind in England and Wales. The High Court ordered a fresh inquest because important digital evidence was not properly obtained or examined during the original investigation. The judgment recognises that, where online evidence may be central to understanding a child's death, a failure to preserve and investigate that evidence can justify reopening an inquest. I believe this decision will provide a pathway for other bereaved families who find themselves in a similar position. The High Court found that there had been an insufficiency of inquiry during the original investigation and that there was also new evidence which justified a fresh inquest in the interests of justice. The Court ordered that the original inquest be quashed and that a completely fresh inquest should take place. For more than four years I have been searching for answers about what happened to my beautiful son. From the very beginning, I believed there were unanswered questions about his online activity. Although Jools' phone was manually examined, it was never subjected to a full forensic examination. The police did not uncover that Jools had multiple social media accounts, and his Snapchat account and activity were not reviewed. This meant that potentially important evidence and lines of enquiry were missed. Through my own investigations, supported by experts, further evidence came to light that had never been available to the original inquest. As a result, the original inquest had to reach conclusions without access to information that may have helped explain the circumstances leading up to Jools' death. The High Court recognised that this missing evidence justified reopening the inquest. Why this matters This case is about far more than my family. Across the country, bereaved families have faced the same devastating reality. Their children have died, yet potentially crucial digital evidence has been lost before anyone knew to preserve it. Today's online world leaves behind a digital footprint. That can include search history, recommendations, videos watched, messages, interactions, algorithms, deleted content, metadata and much more. When a child dies unexpectedly, that information can be critical to understanding what happened. The judgment also recognised that there was limited evidence that Jools was unhappy, let alone suicidal, at the time of his death. It was against that background that the Court concluded that further investigation was both necessary and in the interests of justice. Without access to digital evidence, families may never receive the answers they deserve. Jools' Law and the Crime and Policing Act 2026 Throughout my campaign, many people, including me, began referring to my proposed changes as "Jools' Law." While that name has become widely recognised, it is not the official legal title. The measures were introduced by the Government as amendments to the Crime and Policing Act 2026, creating a new legal requirement for relevant online data to be preserved within five days of a child's death, ensuring that potentially vital digital evidence is not routinely deleted before investigators and coroners have the opportunity to obtain it. The purpose of these amendments is simple but vital: to ensure that potentially crucial digital evidence is preserved before it can be permanently deleted, giving coroners and investigators the best possible opportunity to establish the truth and provide bereaved families with the answers they deserve. Although these changes came too late to preserve Jools' online data, they will help protect evidence for future families and prevent others from facing the same heartbreaking situation. The High Court's decision demonstrates exactly why these reforms were needed. What happens next A new Coroner at Gloucestershire Coroner's Court will now be appointed to conduct a completely fresh inquest. One of the key differences this time is that the legal framework has changed. The Coroner can now use the powers available under Section 101 of the Online Safety Act 2023, which was not in force when Jools died in 2022, to submit a request to Ofcom. Ofcom can then issue a Coroner Information Notice requiring regulated online platforms to provide information relevant to the inquest. This means that information held by platforms, such as account details, messages, content, search history, recommendations, metadata, account activity and other relevant server-side information, can be obtained where it is relevant to establishing the facts surrounding Jools' death. My hope has always been simple: to establish, as far as possible, what happened to Jools. Thank you This has been an incredibly emotional and difficult journey. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mark Bramah , who has given countless hours of his time, advice and unwavering support, often behind the scenes when no one else saw what was happening. His belief in this campaign, together with his expertise in safeguarding, has been invaluable. I am also proud to serve as an Advisory Board Member of Bramah Safeguarding, an organisation committed to improving safeguarding practice and protecting vulnerable people. You can learn more about the important work Mark and his team do at https://bramahsafeguarding.org . I also owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Mick Randall of Fedora Investigations. Mick brought decades of investigative experience to my case and never stopped searching for answers for Jools. His professionalism, determination and generosity have played a significant part in getting us to where we are today. You can learn more about Fedora Investigations at https://www.fedorainvestigations.com . I want to thank my outstanding legal team, Harry Lambert of Outer Temple Chambers and Gary Miller , together with the team at Mishcon de Reya, who both acted pro bono with one clear goal: to help obtain answers for Jools. Finally, I want to thank my family, friends, the fellow bereaved parents who stood beside me in my journey and in court and every single person who signed the petition, shared my campaign or sent me messages of support. The judgment also acknowledged the tireless investigations I have undertaken as Jools' mum. I never wanted to become an investigator. I simply wanted answers about what happened to my son. This judgment is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a new search for the truth. My hope is that this case will help ensure no bereaved family is ever again denied answers because vital digital evidence was lost before anyone thought to preserve it. July 2026 14 July - High Court Hearing: 16 July 2026 I will be appearing before the High Court with my lawyers asking a judge to quash Jools' original inquest and order a fresh one. If the application is successful, it is believed to be the first time in England and Wales that a child's inquest has been reopened because potential social media evidence was not obtained or examined during the original investigation. For me, this is about one thing: finally having the chance to find out what happened to our beautiful son. A new inquest would allow a coroner to use legal powers that did not exist in 2022 to obtain and examine Jools' digital data. After more than four years of fighting for answers, I hope this hearing will be an important step towards discovering the truth, not only for Jools, but for every bereaved family who deserves a full and thorough investigation into the death of their child. June 2026 14 June - We are expecting the High Court hearing to hopefully quash Jools' inquest Mid July 2026. 2 June - There has been a significant development in my efforts to seek answers about Jools' death. Both the Coroner and TikTok have confirmed that they do not intend to oppose my application to the High Court for a fresh inquest. This is very encouraging news and means that the application is now proceeding unopposed. We are currently awaiting a hearing date from the High Court. At that hearing, we hope the Court will quash the original inquest and order that a new inquest be held, allowing all relevant evidence to be properly considered. While there is still a process to follow, this marks an important step forward in the search for answers. April 2026 2 April - I’m pleased to share that we have now issued proceedings in the High Court seeking a new inquest for Jools, with Mishcon de Reya & Harry Lambert of Outer Temple Chambers representing me. We don’t yet have a hearing date, but I am hopeful this will move forward quickly. I want answers as to what happened. Gary Miller shared this below on his LinkedIn page..... March 2026 16 March - Police Investigation Update We are currently engaging with Gloucestershire Police as part of their ongoing review into the original investigation into Jools’ death. Mark Bramah (who is supporting us) has written formally on our behalf, raising serious concerns about the handling of the review. These include: Key questions still not being answered A lack of transparency and clarity Concerns about communication and delays The impact of requests made to our family The letter makes clear that the assurances of openness, transparency and accountability must be met if confidence in this review is to be restored. We await a response. 13 March - The Attorney General has granted permission, issuing a Fiat , allowing me to apply to the High Court for a new inquest into the death of Jools. This important step means the High Court will now consider whether the original inquest should be set aside so the full circumstances of Jools’ death, including potential digital evidence, can be properly examined. February 2026 25 February - I formally submitted a complaint to the IOPC regarding the original investigation into Jools’ death by Gloucestershire Constabulary . This is not something any parent should have to do. In our complaint, I have raised serious concerns about the failure to robustly and comprehensively investigate the circumstances surrounding Jools’ death, including failures during the golden hour to properly secure key digital evidence. I have set out concerns that: • The investigation was not conducted to the standards set out by the College of Policing and Gloucestershire Constabulary’s own policies for dealing with a Sudden and Unexpected Death in Childhood investigation. • Reasonable lines of enquiry were not properly identified or followed through. • Key investigative hypotheses were not considered or explored. • Digital devices were not secured and examined with the urgency and expertise required. • Decision-making was not properly recorded. • The approach by one particular officer at the scene lacked investigative rigour and basic humanity. At the time, I was a mother in shock who had just found my 14 year old son. I trusted that everything that should have been done would have been done. I now know that critical opportunities were missed. The way our son’s life was tragically cut short deserves a thorough investigation, and I will continue to push until families like ours can have confidence that no stone is left unturned. 17 February - Letter received from the police saying yesterday's phone call was a welfare check - If this were a welfare call, it raises serious questions as to why such a sensitive and potentially alarming line of enquiry would be introduced in that moment. The letter goes on to explain that although a significant amount of digital material has already been examined, the police intend to conduct further keyword searches as part of their ongoing review. They have invited us, as Jools’ parents, to suggest our own keywords, usernames or phrases to be included in those searches. This has been presented as a collaborative step, intended to provide reassurance and ensure nothing is overlooked. Being asked, as parents, to sit down almost four years later and consider what words might be associated with the circumstances surrounding our son’s death is not a simple administrative task. It is a deeply difficult exercise. Matt shared his thoughts on what we have been asked to do: "This exercise was profoundly distressing, emotionally exhausting, and deeply upsetting. In the absence of any Police review of the data taken from Jools’ devices in 2022, or history his activity on social media platforms in the period leading up to 13th April 2022, I was placed in what I felt was an unacceptable position of having to independently consider all potential circumstances that could lead a young teenager to take their own life. This was not limited to Jools alone, as the absence of evidential analysis means we do not yet know the full context or history of his personal online activity. This process began with, once again, considering the devastating possibility that he may have intentionally ended his life - requiring me to confront issues such as him suffering with depression and mental health issues. It then extended into even more distressing territory: having to imagine and mentally process scenarios in which Jools may have been in contact with strangers who subjected him to coercion, pressure, compulsion, abuse, exploitation, sexual exploitation, gang or county lines involvement, betrayal by a friend or someone known to him, bribery, or financial leverage etc. So, having spent most of an afternoon forcing myself to contemplate these potential horrors in Jools’ life, I was left at the end of the day with a stream of distressing and intrusive thoughts. Surely this cannot reasonably be described as a trauma-informed approach by the Police when liaising with the family? (of a child who died almost four years ago). How do the Police now intend to acknowledge and address the additional trauma that this process has created? I have no doubt that Ellen is experiencing the same, or similar, emotional and psychological impact" 16 February – Ellen received a call from Gloucestershire Police while she was standing alone on a train on her way home from the BBC, following progress on Jools’ Law. The officer knew this. During the conversation, the officer said she needed to ask a question arising from footage which showed a query about whether the back door had been unlocked on the day Jools died. To be asked this question almost four years later, while alone on a train, was shocking. She suggested that there is now video footage that raises questions about whether a door being unlocked inevitably causes distress. Standing alone on that train, Ellen’s immediate thought was whether this implied a new line of investigation; were they saying someone else was in the house with Jools that night? The explanations then changed several times during the same call. The officer initially stated the issue had been seen on the family’s CCTV. Ellen immediately challenged this, as she is aware that Gloucestershire Police did not take or watch ANY CCTV footage from the property, other than the single clip voluntarily provided of Jools saying goodbye to Monty at the front door. The officer then stated that it must have come from CCTV footage sent to the Police. Ellen clarified again that only one clip was ever sent and that the Police never bothered reviewing any of the other footage. The officer then suggested it may have been body-worn camera footage. This is particularly concerning, as Ellen had previously been informed in correspondence from Gloucestershire Police that the docking station for the relevant body-worn cameras was not functioning, and she was therefore under the understanding that no body-worn video footage was available. Within one call, three different explanations were given. After almost 4 years, and given the sensitivity of this case, it is essential that an accurate and consistent account be provided of the evidence available, the footage retained, and how it is being reviewed. 9 February – Baroness Kidron wrote to Lord Hermer KC, the Attorney General, chasing 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. 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. 2 February – I spent 4½ hours giving a video statement, recounting everything I could possibly remember about the death of Jools. I was asked to go through every sight, every sound, every smell. To take myself back to that night in a level of detail no parent should ever have to revisit. Taking myself back there was not just upsetting; it was overwhelming. After the statement ended, I suffered flashbacks for the rest of the evening. My mind and body were still there, reliving it all. It was exhausting. Painful. So incredibly hard. What has left me completely shocked is learning that when Jools died, not a single statement was taken from anyone. Not from me. Not from his dad. Not from his friends. Not from anyone. How does a 14-year-old child die, and not one single statement is taken? I was in no fit state at that time when he died to question what was happening or to imagine that something so basic would be overlooked. As a parent, you assume the fundamentals will be done. You assume someone is doing their job while you are in shock and grief. But they weren’t. Those first hours and days matter. Memories are clearer. Context exists. Evidence exists. And yet nothing was properly recorded then. Now, years later, Matt has to give his statement. Jools’ friends will have to give theirs too. All of us are being asked to remember details that should have been captured at the time, when the memories were still intact. January 2026 31 January – The police investigation is ongoing. I understand that officers have now requested information from Jools’ school. Matt and I have also been asked to give video statements . Mine is scheduled for Monday, 2 February. This will be extremely difficult, as it will involve reliving Jools’ last night on camera with the police. We were never asked to provide video statements at the time of his death. 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?

Go behind the scenes with Ellen Roome MBE and Jools' Law. Discover exclusive photos, videos and stories from the campaign, media appearances, Parliament and the journey to improve children's online safety. Behind the Scenes

Ellen Roome MBE is the founder of Jools' Law and an international campaigner for children's online safety. Learn about her journey, landmark legal case and campaign for change. Ellen Roome MBE A Mother. A Campaigner. A Voice for Children. I never imagined that losing my son would lead me into Parliament, the High Court, or meetings with government ministers and technology companies around the world. I would give anything for none of that to have happened. I would simply want Jools back. Jools was my only child. He died in April 2022 at the age of just 14. For almost two years after his death, I was simply trying to survive the unimaginable grief of losing my son. But when I eventually found the strength to begin asking questions about what had happened, I uncovered a system that was completely unprepared for the digital age. Social media companies hold an extraordinary amount of information about children's online lives, what they watched, searched for, interacted with and were recommended. Yet I discovered that this potentially vital evidence could disappear before coroners or investigators even knew it existed. I realised that families were being denied answers, not because the evidence never existed, but because nobody had ensured it was preserved. That discovery changed the course of my life. Turning Pain into Purpose I founded Jools' Law to ensure that no other bereaved family would face the barriers I encountered. What began as one mother's search for answers quickly became a national, and then international, campaign for change. Within just nine days, before Parliament was dissolved for the General Election, over 126,000 people signed my petition calling for change, triggering a Parliamentary debate and placing children's online safety firmly on the political agenda. Since then I have worked alongside ministers, parliamentarians, coroners, police forces, regulators, technology companies and bereaved families across the UK and internationally to reform the way digital evidence is handled following the death of a child. In 2026, that campaign achieved a historic breakthrough. The principles behind Jools' Law were incorporated into the Crime and Policing Act, requiring relevant online platforms to preserve a deceased child's digital data within five days of being notified of their death. For the first time, there is now a legal safeguard designed to prevent vital digital evidence from being lost before coroners and investigators have the opportunity to examine it. It is a change that will help countless families in the years ahead. My Fight for Jools Although Jools' Law changed the law, my own search for answers continued. In July 2026, the High Court granted my application for a fresh inquest into Jools' death after previously omitted social media evidence came to light. The original inquest was quashed, allowing Jools' digital life to be properly examined for the first time. The judgment is believed to be the first of its kind in England and Wales, recognising that potentially significant social media evidence had not been available to the original inquest. For me, this has never been about proving a particular outcome. It has always been about ensuring that every piece of relevant evidence is available so that the truth can be established. That is what every bereaved family deserves. Looking Beyond Jools' Law Securing the preservation of children's digital evidence was only the beginning. My work has increasingly focused on preventing tragedies before they happen. Children should not have harmful content pushed towards them by recommendation algorithms designed to maximise engagement. Technology companies have a responsibility to design products that place children's safety ahead of profit, and governments must ensure those responsibilities are properly enforced. I continue to campaign for stronger online protections, greater corporate accountability and meaningful reforms that reduce the risks children face every day online. The Personal Cost Campaigning has changed my life in ways I never expected. Alongside the campaign, I have faced profound personal challenges, the breakdown of relationships, and having to leave the home where Jools spent his final days and where he died. There have been moments when the weight of grief, legal battles and public scrutiny have brought me to my knees. But if speaking openly about my journey helps another family avoid this heartbreak, then every difficult step has purpose. A documentary currently in production follows this journey, capturing not only the campaign but also the personal reality of rebuilding a life after unimaginable loss. You will see the victories. You will also see the moments when I thought I could not carry on. Both are part of the story. Recognition In the King's New Year Honours List 2026, I was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to children's online safety. While I am deeply honoured by that recognition, my greatest achievement is knowing that Jools' Law will help families long after my own journey is over. Why I Continue People often ask where I find the strength to keep going. The truth is simple. I don't have a choice. Every time another family contacts me after losing their child, I am reminded why this work matters. Jools' Law was never just about my son. It is about every child who deserves to be safe online. Every family who deserves answers. And every parent who should never have to fight as hard as I have simply to discover the truth about what happened to their child. That is why I will continue.

Discover the television projects inspired by Jools' Law, including the documentary by Hide&Seek Media following Ellen Roome's journey and the ITV drama in development by BAFTA-winning writer Jeff Pope and Etta Pictures. TV Drama - produced by Jeff Pope's Indie, Etta Pictures, Part of ITV Studios ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill, has commissioned a drama depicting the devastating global impact of social media on children and examining the extent to which technology companies are able to evade responsibility and scrutiny, following the inspirational story of Ellen Roome MBE and the other families all over the world who have campaigned tirelessly for online safety for children in the digital age. Jeff’s interest in the drama came about after meeting Lauren Cowell, who has been working with Ellen. Ellen believes that the tragic death of her beloved 14-year-old son Julian ‘Jools’ Sweeney could have been linked to harmful social media. Ellen will act as a consultant for the drama, and she will work with Jeff Pope and his production team at Etta Pictures throughout the writing of the series. Alongside Jeff Pope, Lauren Cowell, who approached ITV with the idea for the drama, will executive produce the series. The drama is produced in association with Featuristic Films. Read the full article here Documentary – In Production (Hide&Seek Media) For the past two years, documentary filmmaker Dominic Streeter and the team at Hide&Seek Media have been following my journey, documenting not only my campaign for Jools' Law, but also the personal reality of life after losing my son, Jools. What began as a story about a bereaved mother searching for answers has become something far greater. It captures the relentless fight for truth, the campaign that led to Jools' Law becoming law, and the landmark High Court judgment that ordered a fresh inquest into Jools' death because vital digital evidence had not been properly obtained or examined. Alongside the campaign, I have faced profound personal challenges: the breakdown of relationships, having to leave the home where Jools spent his final days and where he died, and trying to rebuild a life while carrying unimaginable grief. The cameras have captured everything. You will see moments of hope, determination and success. But you will also see the devastating reality of grief. You will see me broken. You will see me on my knees. You will see the toll this journey has taken on every part of my life. And you will also see that, somehow, I keep getting back up. This documentary is about far more than one family. It exposes the gaps that failed Jools and continue to fail children today, particularly around social media data, safeguarding and the early investigation of a child's death. It shows why families deserve answers, why digital evidence matters, and why the system had to change. As my wonderful Jools once said to me in a video I have watched countless times: "I know you can do this, Mum. Be strong and stay brave. I love you." Those words have carried me through my darkest days. My hope is that this documentary will spark important conversations, challenge those in positions of responsibility, and encourage further change, not only in the UK but around the world. If sharing the most painful chapter of my life helps even one bereaved family receive the answers they deserve, then every difficult moment of making this documentary will have been worthwhile. Above all, I hope it ensures that Jools' life, and his legacy, continue to make the world a safer place for children.

Explore the latest news articles on our Social Media Blog. Stay informed with timely news articles and updates. Visit now for more insights! News Articles LBC 17 July 2026 Ellen Roome reveals son Jools Sweeney was sent link 'from an organised crime gang' on Instagram shortly before his death Read Article The Telegraph 17 July 2026 Mother of boy ‘who died in TikTok challenge’ wins fight for fresh inquest Read Article LBC 16 July 2026 Mother wins fresh fight for inquest following death of son, 14, who took part in social media ‘blackout challenge’ Read Article The Independent 16 July 2026 Mother of Jools Sweeney hopes new inquest into son’s death is a ‘turning point’ Read Article Metro 16 July 2026 Mum of boy, 14, who may have died in TikTok challenge wins fight for new inquest Read Article The Times 16 July 2026 Inquest reopened into death of boy, 14, ‘after TikTok challenge’ Read Article The Guardian 16 July 2026 Inquest reopened into death of 14-year-old boy after ‘TikTok blackout challenge’ Read Article BBC News 16 July 2026 Teenager's inquest to reopen after mum's campaign Read Article Sky News 16 July 2026 Teen's mother calls for greater online child safety as High Court orders new inquest into son's death Read Article Daily Mirror 16 July 2026 Inquest into death of boy, 14, to be re-opened after grieving mum raises social media concerns Read Article ITV News 16 July 2026 'Every family deserves to know': Inquest into death of Jools Sweeney, 14, to be re-opened Read Article Daily Mail 16 July 2026 Mother wins fight to reopen inquest into son's 'death in TikTok challenge' Read Article Deadline 15 July 2026 ITV, Jeff Pope & Lauren Cowell Teaming On “Devastating” Drama About Social Media’s Impact On Kids Read Article The Independent 15 July 2026 ITV drama to explore tragic death of teen believed to be linked to social media dare Read Article Punchline-Gloucester 15 July 2026 JOOLS’ LAW: Landmark hearing to take place tomorrow Read Article BBC News 14 July 2026 Midnight social media curfew proposed for UK teens aged 16 and 17 Read Article BBC News 16 June 2026 Hurt social media firms' pockets, bereaved mum says Read Article LBC 15 June 2026 Mother of boy, 14, who died in online challenge 'delighted' with social media ban - but says parents need more details Read Article The Independent 15 June 2026 ‘I believe my son, 14, died in an online challenge that went wrong – I cried when Starmer announced a social media ban’ Read Article BBC News 15 June 2026 Social media ban 'fantastic' says bereaved mum Read Article Daily Mail 8 June 2026 Keir Starmer 'to announce social media ban' for under-16s - as ministers claim PM has entered his 'legacy era' Read Article LBC 5 June 2026 "We'll take you on": Starmer warns Big Tech 'things will change' as ministers consider under 16s social media ban Read Article Daily Mail 3 June 2026 Royal honour for the Daily Mail's Inspirational Women! Princess Anne hosts winners of our prestigious award at St James's Palace - including Southport teacher Leanne Lucas Read Article The Independent 27 May 2026 Molly Russell’s bereaved father demands government makes internet ‘as safe as possible’ Read Article The Daily Express 27 May 2026 Ellen featured on the front page of the Daily Express Read Article GB News 26 May 2026 Wes Streeting joins campaign for internet clampdown Read Article LBC 26 May 2026 Campaigners to push Starmer to introduce social media ban for under-16s in crunch Downing Street meeting Read Article The Independent 26 May 2026 Social media as dangerous as smoking for children, doctors warn Read Article The Guardian 26 May 2026 Mother of boy who may have died in TikTok challenge urges No 10 to ban social media Read Article BBC News 26 May 2026 Starmer vows to act on social media after meeting bereaved parents Read Article The Mirror 25 May 2026 Bereaved parents take teen social media ban fight to No10 as Keir Starmer urged 'act now' Read Article The Mirror 17 May 2026 Lauren Cowell demands Keir Starmer 'looks in the eyes' of bereaved families Read Article ITV 14 May 2026 Cheltenham mum who believes son died from online challenge says prime minister 'ignored' talks Read Article BBC News 14 May 2026 Bereaved mum claims PM 'ignoring' meeting request Read Article 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

Follow Ellen Roome's legal action against TikTok in the United States. The case seeks accountability for harmful algorithms, children's online safety and the preservation of digital evidence. Lawsuit against TikTok (updated 20th July 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, which TikTok’s algorithms promoted and amplified. 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. 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 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. Update 2nd June 2024 - We hope to hear from the court by 4th August 2026. 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. 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.

Contact Ellen Roome MBE, founder of Jools' Law. Get in touch about media interviews, speaking engagements, children's online safety, campaign support or general enquiries. Contact Feel free to get in touch with any questions, support, or media enquiries. Let's Chat Email ellenroome@icloud.com Social Media First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Ellen Roome MBE founded Jools' Law after losing her son Jools. Following a landmark High Court victory, she campaigns to preserve children's online data and improve online safety. Jools' Law Jools’ Law was 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. She achieved this on 29th April 2026. When a child dies, their digital life may hold crucial evidence. Vital digital evidence can disappear within hours, leaving families without answers and preventing proper accountability. Jools’ Law ensures that data is preserved so the truth can be found and big tech companies can be held accountable.

Watch Ellen Roome MBE's television, radio and podcast interviews about Jools' Law, children's online safety and her campaign for legal reform. Featuring appearances on BBC, ITV, Sky News, Channel 5 and more. Media Coverage Play Video Play Video 04:57 LBC News 17 July 2026 Ellen Roome gives an interview after the High Court ruling. Play Video Play Video 01:27 Good Morning Britain 17 July 2026 Ellen Roome discusses Jools' inquest. Play Video Play Video 02:45 ITV Lunchtime News outside the High Court 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed outside the High Court. Play Video Play Video 04:09 LBC News outside the High Court 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome gives statement outside the High Court. Play Video Play Video 07:21 Sky News outside the High Court 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome gives statement outside the High Court following the Inquest Hearing. Play Video Play Video 05:56 BBC News outside the High Court 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome gives statement outside the High Court following the Inquest Hearing. Play Video Play Video 05:40 Sky News 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed about Jools' inquest. Play Video Play Video 03:21 BBC Points West 16 July 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Points West about Jools' inquest. Play Video Play Video 04:45 BBC Radio 4 15 July 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Radio 4 about the social media curfew. Play Video Play Video 08:07 BBC Breakfast 15 July 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Breakfast regarding the social media curfew. Play Video Play Video 04:08 ITV News 17 June 2026 Ellen Roome is interviewed on ITV News. Play Video Play Video 09:47 BBC Breakfast 16 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed alongside Lisa Kenevan on BBC Breakfast. Play Video Play Video 17:08 Sky News with Sarah-Jane Mee 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome and other bereaved parents speak about the social media ban with Sarah-Jane Mee. Play Video Play Video 04:17 5 News at 5pm 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on 5 News at 5pm. Play Video Play Video 02:27 LBC radio with Nick Ferrari 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed by Nick Ferrari on LBC. Play Video Play Video 03:48 ITV News 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on ITV News. Play Video Play Video 07:22 BBC News at 1pm 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC News at 1pm. Play Video Play Video 01:05:34 BBC Breakfast panel 15 June 2026 Alongside other bereaved parents, Ellen Roome speaks about the UK government's newly announced social media ban for under-16s. Play Video Play Video 08:16 BBC Breakfast 15 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed by John Kay and Sally Nugent on BBC Breakfast. Play Video Play Video 04:25 GB News 7 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed by Christopher Hope on GB News. Play Video Play Video 06:22 GB News Breakfast 1 June 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on GB News Breakfast by Alex Armstrong and Dawn Neesom. Play Video Play Video 02:59 Sky News 31 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on Sky News' News Hour with Jonathan Samuels. Play Video Play Video 02:51 LBC 27 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on LBC. Play Video Play Video 10:46 Sky News 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on Sky News. Play Video Play Video 04:09 ITV News 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on ITV News. Play Video Play Video 07:02 GB News 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on GB News. Play Video Play Video 08:09 BBC Breakfast 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Breakfast. Play Video Play Video 10:45 The Times Radio 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on The Times Radio. Play Video Play Video 08:22 BBC Radio 4 26 May 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Radio 4. Play Video Play Video 12:35 LBC 5th May 2026 LBC interview featuring Ellen Roome MBE and Lauren Cowell discussing the growing harms social media platforms pose to children and young people. The discussion explored the impact of addictive algorithms, exposure to harmful content, online grooming, and the urgent need for stronger protections, including raising the minimum age for social media use to 16. Ellen spoke about her campaign following the death of her son Jools Sweeney and the fight for greater accountability and transparency from technology companies, while Lauren Cowell shared concerns around the wider impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and development. Play Video Play Video 09:14 Sky News - 30th April 2026 SKY News interview featuring Ellen Roome MBE and Lauren Cowell discussing the growing harms social media platforms pose to children and young people. The discussion explored the impact of addictive algorithms, exposure to harmful content, online grooming, and the urgent need for stronger protections, including raising the minimum age for social media use to 16. Ellen spoke about her campaign following the death of her son Jools Sweeney and the fight for greater accountability and transparency from technology companies, while Lauren Cowell shared concerns around the wider impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety, and development. Play Video Play Video 07:45 BBC Breakfast 28 April Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Breakfast Play Video Play Video 09:15 5 Live 28 April Ellen Roome interviewed on 5 Live Play Video Play Video 02:49 ITV News 21 April 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on ITV News. Play Video Play Video 02:23 LBC 16th April 2026 Play Video Play Video 07:01 LBC 16th April 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on LBC. Play Video Play Video 02:29 ITV News 15th April 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on ITV News. Play Video Play Video 09:12 BBC Breakfast 16th April 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on BBC Breakfast. Play Video Play Video 12:42 ITV Morning News 15th April 2026 Ellen Roome interviewed on ITV Morning News. Play Video Play Video 01:20 Daily Record 16th April 2026 Play Video Play Video 03:22 ITV news 26th Mar 2026 Ellen Roome discussing social media and raising the age to 16 Play Video Play Video 10:54 BBC Breakfast 26th March 2026 Following a landmark legal victory in Los Angeles against social media platforms, Ellen Roome and Andy Burrows from the Molly Rose Foundation discuss why this moment matters and why the UK must now act. These are some of the most powerful companies in the world, but as Ellen makes clear: “I’m not nervous, I’m not frightened. Bring it on.” Play Video Play Video 25:05 Jeremy Vine at 5 - 26th Mar 2026 Ban social media for under 18s? Ellen Roome, Mike Parry & Zoë Grünewald Play Video Play Video 05:09 Sky News 25th Mar 2026 Ellen discussing social media ban Play Video Play Video 03:55 17th Mar 2026 - ITV News Interview | Why Ellen Roome supports Raising the Social Media Age to 16 Tonight Ellen Roome appeared on ITV News across Anglia, Central, Meridian, Tyne Tees, West Country and Yorkshire, speaking about the urgent need to better protect children online. Ellen is supporting Lord Nash’s proposal to raise the minimum age for social media to 16. Children are being exposed to harmful content far too young, and we must take meaningful action to safeguard them. This is not about restricting childhood, it’s about protecting it. #joolslaw #onlinesafety #raisetheage #globalissue #protectchildren Play Video Play Video 06:59 LBC for Online Safety Day, - 9 March 2026 Ellen Roome MBE appeared live on LBC for Online Safety Day, speaking about why she fully supports MPs voting in the House of Commons to #RaiseTheAge of social media to 16. Ellen’s 14-year-old son Jools died in 2022. Since then, she has been campaigning for change so that children are better protected online and families are able to get answers when tragedy strikes. During the interview, Ellen explained that children are being exposed to harmful content online every single day and that action cannot continue to be delayed while families live with the consequences. She also spoke about the ongoing wait for the Attorney General to approve her application to seek a fresh inquest into Jools’ death. If approved, Ellen will be able to apply to the High Court for a new inquest and use the Data Use and Access Act to request Jools’ social media data in order to understand what happened to her son. 🌐 https://www.joolslaw.co.uk #joolslaw #onlinesafety Play Video Play Video 06:59 BBC Breakfast 2nd March 2026 An interview with Ross Moss, who lost her daughter Sophie 12 years ago, Hollie Dance, whose son Archie had his accident just six days before Jools, and Ellen Roome, whose son Jools died on 13 April 2022. More than a decade later, we are still having the same conversations about protecting children and accessing their social media data. Why are we still talking about it when children are being harmed and are dying? Only last weekend, Ellen was contacted by the mother of another boy, aged just 15, who had taken his own life. This has to stop! Play Video Play Video 40:58 Kemi Badenoch calls for social media ban Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott holding news conference. The pair will discuss student loans and social media policy. #conservative #education #socialmedia #live 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 Play Video Play Video 09:59 Jools’ Law - I did it!! Ellen Roome appears on BBC Breakfast to discuss the latest progress on Jools’ Law. Following confirmation from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Government has committed to introducing a Jools’ Law amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. The amendment will require social media companies to automatically preserve a child’s social media data within five days of their death, removing barriers for bereaved families seeking answers. This is a vital step forward for transparency and accountability online, ensuring that no grieving parent has to fight simply to access the information that may explain what happened to their child. Play Video Play Video 03:50 GB news 16th Feb 2026 Ellen Roome discusses changes to the law following a phone call with Liz Kendall, Secretary of State, confirming the Government’s commitment to incorporate Jools’ Law into legislation. Load More

Follow the parliamentary journey of Jools' Law. Learn how Ellen Roome MBE's campaign led to debates in Parliament and helped secure new legislation to preserve children's online data after a child's death. What is 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 after death. A child’s digital life can hold vital evidence about what happened. But messages, videos, search history and algorithm-driven content can disappear within hours or days. Jools’ Law was founded after Ellen’s 14-year-old son, Jools, died, and critical questions could not be answered because his digital evidence was never properly examined. The Problem Children’s data is not automatically preserved Families often don’t know what to request or when Police and coroners can miss crucial digital evidence Platforms may delete or overwrite data quickly The Solution Jools’ Law : Automatic preservation of a child’s digital data A clear, standardised process for all cases Immediate action in the critical hours after death Preserve the data. Find the truth. Protect other children. Why This Matters Children’s online lives are part of their real lives. Digital evidence can reveal: Grooming Coercion Exploitation Harmful content No parent should have to fight for answers. No child’s death should go unexplained because evidence was lost. The Process it's taken..... 29th April 2026 - Jools' Law becomes law, written into the Crime and Policing Act. 13 February 2026 - I received a call from Liz Kendall, Secretary of State, confirming that the Government intends to introduce automatic preservation of children’s social media data when a child dies. For too long, bereaved parents have had to beg platforms not to delete vital evidence. That will now change. We now need the changes to the Crime and Policing Bill to complete their passage through Parliament and receive Royal Assent for it to be law. Not long now, maybe May time. 10 February 2026 - Meeting booked with Minister, Baroness Levitt KC. 31 January 2026 - Minister, Baroness Levitt KC , offered bereaved parents a meeting to discuss automatic data preservation, and Ellen is awaiting a date from the Minister's office. 27 January 2026 - Jools’ Law was debated in the House of Lords following a powerful, cross-party discussion led by Baroness Beeban Kidron . Peers from all sides spoke with compassion and urgency, recognising the need for automatic preservation of children’s digital data so deaths can be properly investigated and families can access answers. Bereaved parents watched from the gallery as real momentum for change emerged. While the Government has not yet agreed to the amendment, the Minister has committed to further discussions, and there is a genuine opportunity for Jools’ Law to be passed when the House of Lords votes in 2026. You can watch the powerful debate here 27 January 2026 - In the House of Lords, Baroness Berger raised the issue of litigation brought by bereaved British parents against TikTok following the deaths of their children. She asked what assessment the Government had made of the implications of this legal action. Responding for the Government, Baroness Lloyd of Effra acknowledged the case and expressed sympathy for the families. She stated that powers under the Online Safety Act have been commenced to require information from platforms about a child’s online activity following their death, and that a data preservation process has been established to prevent the loss of relevant information. Baroness Berger followed up by highlighting that parents, including Ellen Roome, have spent years trying to access their children’s social media data, only to find that crucial digital evidence is often not requested in the early period and is routinely deleted or lost. She urged the Government to introduce automatic digital data preservation in every child death so that these tragedies can be fully and properly investigated. 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.

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