The mother of an 11-year-old boy who died after he was believed to have taken part in a dangerous social media craze has called on the platforms to take action.
Tommie-lee Gracie Billington was found unresponsive after a sleepover at a house in Lancaster in March.
The opening of an inquest was told he had inhaled “toxic substances“.
Sherri-Ann Gracie, who described Tommie-lee as a “loving boy” and the “life and soul” of their house, said she was “angry” videos showing peoples sniffing or inhaling toxic substances, as Tommie-lee is understood to have done, are still available online.
She said: “[They] really need to do more before this happens to any other people.
“I don’t want anyone else to suffer like this, because it’s awful.
“It has left a huge hole, not only in our family but in our hearts as well.”
Mrs Gracie said she wanted to make sure children – who “think they’re invincible” – were aware of activities that were apparently encouraged on social media
“They don’t know the consequences and unfortunately my Tommie-lee didn’t,” she said.
Tommie-lee’s older sister, Crystal, said she has seen similar content and she has reported it online.
She said she and her brother, who wanted to be a footballer, were very close.
“We did everything together,” she said.
An inquest into Tommie-lee’s death has been delayed to allow further investigations.
A 25-year-old man from Lancaster arrested over allegations of child cruelty and neglect remains on bail, Lancashire Police said.
