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TikTok torment of tragic kids' grieving families

Daily Express

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January 16, 2026

STREETING LEANS TOWARDS U-16 MEDIA BAN

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON BY JONATHAN WALKER

TikTok torment of tragic kids' grieving families

GRIEVING mum Ellen Roome says her beloved son is looking down on her with pride as she fights for answers over his death.

She believes Jools Sweeney, 14, died in an online challenge, and is part of a group suing social media site TikTok for wrongful death.

But the US-based firm says it cannot release data belonging to Jools or the other children under UK law.

Jools, along with Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Maia Walsh, 13, and Noah Gibson, 11, died while attempting the "blackout challenge".

The viral challenge offered social media approval in return for performing dangerous acts on camera.

Ellen, who was made an MBE last month for her tireless campaigning, said: "I think this has always been about trying to get answers for my son, but it's become a bigger picture.

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