TikTok torment

Families of tragic 'blackout challenge' children take on social media giant

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON

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 during an online challenge gone wrong, and is part of a group suing social media site Tik Tok for wrongful death.

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

Isaac Kenevan, 13, Archie Battersbee, 12, Maia Walsh, 13, and Noah Gibson, 11, all died while attempting the "blackout challenge" on TikTok.

The viral stunt 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.

"Now I've met these other parents, and I have met newly bereaved parents, it has become a bigger picture about making a difference for children all over the world. This is not a UK problem.