How one teenager’s death could change the way social media law works |


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Ellen Roome began campaigning for a change in the law after her 14-year-old son died.

She couldn’t understand why her teenage boy, Jools, was no longer with her.

“When Jools took his own life, we assumed we’d turn up at the inquest and be told why and what happened,” Ms Roome previously told Sky News.

“I know how he took his life because I found him. I don’t understand why.”

Every aspect of Jools’ life had been looked into, except for his social media accounts. But when Ellen asked TikTok for his browsing data, so she could see what he’d been watching and whether it was harmful, TikTok said it no longer had it.

Image:
Ellen Roome with her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney. Pic: Ellen Roome

It had taken too long for police to request it and by the time they did, it had been deleted under data protection laws.

That’s what Ellen is campaigning to change – and on Tuesday, Jools’ Law will be debated in the House of Lords.

What would Jools’ Law change?

  • The child’s data would be automatically preserved within five days of their death
  • There’d be a standardised process for investigators to follow, which would include looking at digital evidence
  • Social media companies would have to make sure that the child’s data is protected and stored to help with investigations

At the moment, when it comes to finding out what happened, bereaved parents say they’ve had a range of experiences.

Some, like Lisa Kenevan, were able to find evidence suggesting social media was linked to their children’s deaths.

Lisa’s son, Isaac was 13 when he died and when the police took away his devices, they found videos apparently recorded through TikTok suggesting he was taking part in the dangerous “Blackout” challenge.



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