A mother who has been a leading voice in the campaign for a ban on social media for children in the UK is today petitioning the High Court to reopen the inquest into her son's death. Ellen Roome's 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, died in 2022. An earlier inquest returned a narrative verdict, which did not conclude suicide, but Ms Roome, from Cheltenham, believes her son's death was linked to a dangerous online challenge that went wrong.
Ms Roome asserts that quashing the original verdict and initiating a new inquest would enable the examination of crucial evidence from Jools's social media accounts, information that was not accessible at the time of the initial inquiry. The landscape for accessing such data has since changed significantly with the introduction of new legislation. The Online Safety Act 2023 now empowers Ofcom to request information directly from social media companies, including content a child may have viewed or uploaded. Furthermore, if a fresh inquest is granted, Ms Roome intends to utilise the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to request Jools's social media content through the coroner.
Expressing her deep need for answers, Ms Roome stated, "I cannot live the rest of my life without trying to look for answers as to why my son's not here." She also voiced hope that her efforts would serve as a precedent, compelling social media companies to enhance their protective measures for children online. She believes a new inquest could set a vital benchmark for other parents who suspect social media played a role in their child's death.
Ms Roome will be joined at the High Court by other parents, including Mariano Janin from London, whose daughter Mia took her own life in 2021, an act he attributes to cyber-bullying. Mr Janin has indicated he would consider applying to reopen Mia's inquest if Ms Roome's petition is successful, highlighting the broader implications of her case for families seeking similar insights. He emphasised the importance of Ms Roome's actions, noting that success could make it easier for parents to obtain vital information and hold companies accountable.
Beyond this High Court petition, Ms Roome has been a key figure in advocating for the government's recent announcement of a social media ban for under-16s in the UK. She has also championed 'Jools' Law', proposed legislation that would grant parents access to their deceased children's social media accounts. In January 2025, she initiated a lawsuit against TikTok, alleging that a group of children, including her son, died while attempting a 'blackout challenge' on the platform. TikTok previously stated that it strictly prohibits content promoting dangerous behaviour.