The couple praised the Jools’ Law campaign, which has pushed for changes to online safeguarding following the tragic death of 14-year-old boy Jools Sweeney.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have heaped praise on campaigners after the UK Government announced changes to a new law
The royal couple released a statement following the UK Government’s announcement of proposed amendments to children’s social media data storage regulations within the Crime and Policing Bill. The Government’s change of tack was prompted by the Jools’ Law campaign.
Ellen Roome, from Gloucestershire, launched the initiative following the tragic death of her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney. She suspects he lost his life whilst attempting an online challenge in 2022, and is among several British parents pursuing legal action against TikTok in the United States.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex praised Ellen’s tireless campaigning efforts to guarantee “no other parent faces the same barriers she did”. Applauding her dedication, the pair declared in a statement published on their official sussex.com website: “We first met Ellen in New York last year, where she shared Jools’ story with the same determination that’s now changed the law.
“Jools is one of the faces featured in our Lost Screen Memorial, a reminder of why this work matters. Ellen’s strength isn’t unique-it’s what we’ve seen from every bereaved parent we’ve worked with. Their grief becomes purpose. Their loss becomes advocacy. And now, their fight has become law.
“To parents currently facing this struggle: you should never have been put through this. Change is possible. Ellen has proven it.”
Harry and Meghan revealed the Lost Screen Memorial in New York City last April. The poignant art installation features lightboxes resembling smartphones, paying tribute to youngsters who lost their lives due to online harm.
The Duke and Duchess attended a private vigil at the location, showing support alongside nearly 50 families whose children were remembered in the display. Harry and Meghan added: “One parent can change everything. Thousands of families will now have answers because Ellen Roome refused to back down and give up. Thank you, Ellen, and all of our courageous parents.”
Speaking before Sir Keir Starmer outlined fresh proposals to tackle online dangers, Ms Roome said: “This is about truth. This is about accountability. This is about holding social media companies accountable when we can prove the harms they are fed online.
“But because of Jools, and because of relentless campaigning, other families will now have access to answers. Whilst this is a massive step forward, we must ultimately do more to stop children being harmed or dying in the first place. Preservation after death matters. Prevention before harm matters even more.
“And I fully support Lord Nash’s amendment to raise the age limit to 16 for the most harmful platforms. We must be brave enough to go further.”
