A mother is taking legal action against TikTok following the tragic death of her 14-year-old son, expressing frustration over the challenges she faces in seeking answers. Ellen Roome suspects her son Julian “Jools” Sweeney passed away due to a social media trend gone awry but has encountered obstacles in accessing his account. She is part of a group of five families in the UK pursuing legal action against TikTok for the alleged wrongful deaths of their children.
In an interview with The Mirror, Roome, hailing from Cheltenham, emphasized her determination to seek justice, not just for her son but for all children globally. She criticized TikTok for its perceived lack of transparency and reluctance to provide crucial data, labeling the situation as absurd and necessitating legal action across borders.
The grieving mother recounted the distressing journey she has been on since 2024, seeking closure and understanding surrounding her son’s passing. The lawsuit, initiated last year and facing a pivotal hearing soon, revolves around claims that Jools and four other children lost their lives attempting the dangerous “blackout challenge.” TikTok contends that it has blocked such content since 2020 but is entangled in legal battles due to the families’ pursuit of accountability.
Roome’s advocacy extends beyond the courtroom as she pushes for legislative changes in the UK, advocating for “Jools’ Law” to safeguard a child’s online data following their demise. This proposed law aims to ensure timely preservation of digital evidence to shed light on the circumstances leading to a child’s death, fostering global scrutiny and potential emulation of such measures.
The legal proceedings against TikTok have drawn attention to the need for stricter regulations and accountability in safeguarding children online, resonating with Roome’s quest for answers and justice for her son and other bereaved families.