Ellen Roome, a mother from Cheltenham who lost her 14-year-old son Julian to what she believes is related to social media, has made a heartfelt plea to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer for immediate action to protect children online. Roome successfully campaigned for a law that mandates the preservation of children’s digital data after their death, but she emphasizes that more needs to be done quickly to prevent future tragedies. She praised recent government efforts but insists that the urgency of the situation requires faster responses to safeguard children's lives.

In her statement, Roome highlighted the ongoing threats posed by social media, asserting that despite some governmental steps in the right direction, children continue to face harm and even death due to online dangers. She reflected on the lasting impact her son's death has had on her life and expressed her frustration with the slow pace of legislative changes, urging a more proactive approach to online safety. The mother’s call to action underscores the growing concern over child safety in the digital age.

The implications of her plea resonate strongly in the context of ongoing discussions around online harms, especially as lawmakers and activists seek to hold tech companies accountable for the societal impacts of their platforms. As public awareness of these issues continues to rise, Roome’s advocacy highlights not only the personal tragedy of losing a child but also the critical need for systemic change to prioritize children's safety in a rapidly evolving digital environment.