Mother of Teen Who May Have Died in TikTok Challenge Urges UK to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

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Ellen Roome, the heartbroken mother of 14-year-old Jools Sweeney, is speaking out against the UK government's inaction on social media regulation. Her son's tragic death may be linked to a TikTok challenge gone wrong, and she believes the government has been too slow to address the issue. Roome is among the families who will meet with Keir Starmer on Tuesday to discuss the proposed social media ban for under-16s.

As the consultation on the ban comes to a close this week, Roome expressed her frustration with the government's pace, accusing them of "kicking it down the road". The meeting with Starmer comes at a critical time, as the government weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of a social media ban for young users. Roome's advocacy for a ban is rooted in her devastating personal experience, and she hopes to see concrete action taken to protect other families from suffering similar tragedies.

While the government has faced criticism for its handling of social media regulation, a ban on under-16s would mark a significant step towards addressing concerns around online safety. As Roome and other families push for change, the question remains: will the government take decisive action to safeguard its youngest citizens? The issue has sparked a national conversation about the role of social media in young people's lives, and the responsibility that comes with regulating online content.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Ellen Roome will be a vocal advocate for change, driven by her love for her son and her determination to prevent similar tragedies in the future.