S19 Ep5: LAUREN COWELL AND ELLEN ROOME: The online safety conversation every parent needs to hear

This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill tackle one of the biggest parenting challenges of our time: keeping children safe online.

With the UK moving towards restricting social media access for under-16s, this conversation couldn't be more timely.

Joining the podcast are Lauren Cowell, campaigner for the Raise the Age movement, entrepreneur and fiancee to Simon Cowell, and Ellen Roome, who has dedicated herself to improving online safety following the devastating loss of her 14-year-old son, Jools.

Together, they share powerful insights into the realities of parenting in the digital age, why parental controls alone aren't enough, and the practical steps every family can take to better protect their children online.

From delaying smartphones and keeping devices out of bedrooms to building open conversations and recognising the hidden risks of social media, this episode offers honest advice every parent needs to hear.

In this episode:

Why many parents feel they're fighting a losing battle online

The reality of navigating parental controls

Practical ways to keep children safer online

How to build trust so children come to you when something goes wrong

The online risks every parent should understand, from algorithms to sextortion

Why campaigners believe stronger protections for children are urgently needed