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A BBC Breakfast guest fought back tears in emotional scenes following bittersweet news in the aftermath of her teenage son’s death.
Ellen Roome appeared on Tuesday’s (December 30) edition of the programme, after being awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.
She received the recognition for her work promoting children’s online safety – after her 14-year-old son, Jools Sweeney, passed away three years ago.
In 2022, Jools was found dead in his bedroom after taking his own life but a coroner was unable to confirm if he was in a suicidal mood before his death.
His mother Ellen, from Cheltenham, said Jools did a ‘lot of online challenges’ and fears he fell victim to a ‘dangerous’ one such as Blackout which linked to the deaths of dozens of young people.
She has since been campaigning for ‘Jools’ Law’ – which would allow parents to access the social media accounts of their children if they died.
BBC Breakfast guest Ellen Roome fought back tears while discussing the ‘bittersweet’ honour of receiving an MBE
She received the honour for her work promoting children’s online safety – following her own 14-year-old son Jools’ death three years ago
Ellen appeared on Tuesday’s (December 30) episode of Breakfast, speaking to Nina Warhurst and Ben Thompson
Discussing the MBE, presenter Nina Warhurst said to Ellen: ‘You’ve described it as a bittersweet moment, which is understandable, and I’m sure your mind then went to your son. Just talk us through that.’
To which she replied: ‘I never started my campaigning for any kind of recognition.
‘It started with wanting answers for my son and then I met all these other bereaved parents.’
Ellen continued, with her voice becoming emotional: ‘I’m going to get emotional, I knew I would.
‘All those parents want answers as well and it became a bigger issue.
‘Then, it became learning about how harmful online social media data can be for children.
‘I just couldn’t stop, I’ve been shouting, and I guess someone has listened. It’s been emotional.’
Ellen went on to add: ‘I’ve been in parliament when my change didn’t go through with the data use and access bill, and then I thought, ‘I can’t get moving’. I think that’s been hard.
‘We haven’t got there yet. In the House of Lords in January, it’s being discussed to add to the crime and policing bill that when a child dies, their data is preserved.
‘That’s my ultimate goal, I really think it forms so much part of the evidence when a child does, potentially, that it should be there.
‘I really want it automatic, so that when a child dies, that data is preserved. If you don’t need it, they don’t need it. But, if a parent does, they can hopefully not be in my position now.’
She also said: ‘I know how he died, but as a parent, to try to understand what on earth happened is so important.
‘I really hope we’re successful going through the House of Lords and changing the law.’
Writing on X, one viewer said: ‘Well done Ellen and I’m so very sorry for your loss.’
Another penned: ‘Such, a heartbreaking thing, to loose a child, due to something so silly.
‘Well done Ellen, this will bring no comfort to you and your family, but you are making an impact.’
While a third said: ‘I love the Honours system when it awards honours to such deserving recipients like Ellen.
‘She has shown so much bravery and fortitude!’
Luther and The Wire actor Idris Elba has been knighted for his campaigning against knife crime
It was not Ellen’s first time appearing on Breakfast, as she previously spoke to Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt in 2024.
Naga, 50, was overwhelmed with emotion, her voice breaking, as she offered words of comfort to the grieving mother before her co-star Charlie Stayt stepped in.
Charlie swooped in and began discussing legislation around the grieving mother’s case, giving time for her and Naga to regain their composure.
The sympathetic presenter suggested the two ‘have a sip of water’ as he spoke to viewers.
Elsewhere, the New Honours also saw actor Idris Elba receive a knighthood for services to young people.
The actor, 53, whose Elba Hope Foundation supports youth advocacy, said he was accepting the honour on behalf of the ‘many young people’ at his charity who inspire his work.
Sir Idris said: ‘I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.’
Jayne Torvill, 68, and Christopher Dean, 67, are made a Dame and a Knight for services to ice skating and to voluntary service.