Jools Law
Joolslaw - Give parents the right to view their deceased children's social media data.
I am fighting for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain we have suffered.
I’m Ellen Roome, a mother, campaigner, and former business owner. My life changed forever on April 13, 2022, when my 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, took his own life. His sudden death left me searching for answers. I was left with no answers—none of the social media companies would allow me access to his browsing data. Accessing Jools' social media accounts could have provided vital insights into his actions and whether an online challenge or other harmful interactions influenced him. However, I have faced significant hurdles, as current laws require a court order to access my son's digital data.
The Campaign
24th May 2024 - Jools' story
As a result of not being able to access my son's social media accounts - despite him being a minor when he died, and therefore under my parental responsibility - I felt compelled to launch a campaign for "Jools' Law," which seeks to grant parents the right to access their deceased children's social media accounts without needing a court order.
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My petition for Jools' Law raised 126,033 signatures (115,000 in just one week) before it had to be closed prematurely due to the general election. This overwhelming support has been a beacon of hope in my quest for legislative change.
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I am determined to continue this fight for transparency and safety in the digital space so no other family has to endure the pain we have suffered.
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The JoolsLaw debate was heard on 13th January 2025. The full video of the debate is below. I am waiting for an appointment with the Minister.
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The Changes Needed
Creating changes to UK law
1. Social Media Preservation
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I want social media data to be automatically preserved and requested when a child dies, just as a toxicology report is conducted in such cases. This should happen automatically so that the data is available if required.
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2. Retrospective Access
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I am seeking retrospective access for bereaved parents like myself, whose children’s inquests have concluded without the social media data being accessed and examined for harmful or illegal content.
This oversight may have contributed to tragedies such as that of Jools, who felt compelled to take his own life, thereby avoiding the necessity for a new inquest through the High Court at a cost of £86,000.
It feels profoundly wrong and unfair that parents like myself (and many others) remain unaware of why our precious children ended their own lives.