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'Bigger issue' than banning smartphone for under 16s, says bereaved mother
Posted
May 25, 2024
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May 25, 2024
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5:00Now PlayingA mother whose son took his own life says an outright ban on under 16s having a mobile phone wouldn't work and more needs to be done to tackle a "bigger issue".
Ellen Roome said her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney took his life in April 2022.
She fears he viewed harmful content on social media before his death, but she has been refused the right to access his social media. She has started a petition, calling for the law to be changed.
A report from MPs is recommending the next government should consider a total ban on under-16s owning smartphones.
But Ms Roome said there is a "bigger issue than an outright ban" and children would still be able to watch "shocking content" on other devices.
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