ITV orders drama series exploring families' battle against social media giants over children's safety

ITV has ordered a new untitled factual drama series that will examine the devastating impact of social media on children, with Oscar-nominated writer Jeff Pope attached and Lauren Cowell also involved in the project, according to Deadline and TVZoneUK. The series will follow the story of Ellen Roome, a mother who believes harmful online content may have contributed to the death of her 14-year-old son, and other families campaigning for online safety.

2 sources

TVZoneUKJeff pope to pen new itv factual drama depticting the impact of social media on childrenDeadlineITV, Jeff Pope and Lauren Cowell developing drama series on social media's impact on children

"examining the extent to which technology companies are able to evade responsibility and scrutiny"

TVZoneUK reported that the drama will look at how tech companies avoid accountability, a central theme of the campaign led by Roome and other parents worldwide. The project came about after Pope met with Cowell, who has been working with Roome.

Deadline noted that Roome has spent four years seeking answers about her son Julian "Jools" Sweeney's death in April 2022, which occurred after a normal day with friends. She believes social media content played a role in his death. The drama will depict the inspirational story of Roome, who was awarded an MBE for her campaigning, alongside other families from around the globe.

"the inspirational story of Ellen Roome MBE and the other families all over the world who have campaigned tirelessly for online safety for children in the digital age"

According to Deadline, the series will follow multiple families and campaigners, not just Roome, highlighting the global dimension of the issue. ITV has yet to announce a broadcast date for the project, which remains untitled. The drama represents the latest effort by British television to tackle the contentious topic of children's exposure to harmful online content.