Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAnnabel NugentWednesday 15 July 2026 15:07 BSTMatt Sweeney and Ellen Roome with their son Jools (Ellen Roome/PA) ((Ellen Roome/PA))ITV has commissioned a new drama based on the story of Jools Sweeney, a 14-year-old whose death his mother believes was due to an online challenge.Jools was found unconscious in April 2022, with an inquest concluding he died by suicide, though the coroner stated it was unlikely he intended to end his life.His mother, Ellen Roome, has been campaigning for “Jools' Law” to compel social media companies to release children's data to bereaved parents, after being denied access to her son's accounts.The drama will be produced by Jeff Pope's Etta Pictures, part of ITV Studios, and aims to highlight the global impact of social media on children.Ellen Roome, who was made an MBE for services to children's online safety, will serve as a consultant on the series, expressing hope it will help protect other children.If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in