Mum Takes On Meta and Snapchat After Son’s Tragic Death at 14
A mother is fighting for answers after her son’s death linked to an online challenge
Cheltenham, UK, Jools Sweeney, Ellen Roome, Social Media, Online Challenges, Mental Health
Cheltenham: A heartbroken mum is on a mission to get answers about her son Jools, who tragically passed away at just 14. Ellen Roome believes his death might be linked to a dangerous online challenge he participated in.
Jools was found dead in his room back in April 2022. While an inquest ruled it a suicide, the coroner couldn’t confirm if he was actually suicidal. Ellen thinks he got caught up in some risky online challenges that led to this awful outcome.
She’s been pushing for “Jools’ Law,” which would let parents access their kids’ social media accounts after they die. Her petition has gained a lot of traction, with over 126,000 signatures, and it was even discussed in Parliament recently.
Ellen feels that having access to Jools’ social media could help her understand what happened. She said her world fell apart when she found him unconscious. It’s been a nightmare not knowing why he made that choice.
She mentioned that Jools was very active online and participated in many challenges. At first, she thought they were harmless fun, but now she realizes some can be really dangerous. If she could just see his online activity, maybe she’d have some answers.
It’s just heartbreaking to lose a child and not know why. Jools was always happy and had tons of friends. His funeral was packed, and no one had any concerns about him. It was all so sudden; she had just talked to him a short while before.
Ellen has spent a lot of money trying to get Jools’ social media data but hasn’t had any luck. She’s reached out to TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat, but they all say they can’t give her anything without a court order.
She described their responses as awful, saying they don’t seem to care. TikTok told her they deleted Jools’ data because of privacy laws, and they only keep it if law enforcement requests it. But by the time the police got involved, it was too late.
Snapchat did allow her to see some messages, but they said deleted ones are gone for good. They claim they’re willing to help authorities, but that doesn’t help Ellen get the answers she desperately needs.
She’s been clear that no amount of information will bring her son back, but she just wants to know why he’s gone. It’s been a tough journey, and she’s just an ordinary person trying to find some clarity.
During the recent Parliamentary debate, she felt hopeful. She was surrounded by other grieving parents, and every MP supported her petition. The minister even spoke to her about possibly changing the data bill to help families like hers.
Ellen has also started a crowdfunding campaign to help with her legal costs. She’s determined to keep fighting for transparency and safety online so that no other family has to go through this kind of pain.
Meta has been contacted for a statement regarding the situation.