Sussexes Hail Landmark Legal Change for Child Protection Online
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly commended a significant legislative shift proposed by the government, which aims to alter how children's social media data is managed under the Crime and Policing Bill. This development follows the impactful Jools' Law campaign, spearheaded by Ellen Roome from Gloucestershire, who tragically lost her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney in 2022.
A Mother's Campaign Sparks National Change
Ellen Roome initiated the campaign after her son's death, which she believes resulted from an online challenge. She is part of a group of British parents pursuing legal action against TikTok in the United States, seeking accountability for the harms faced by children on digital platforms. In a heartfelt statement posted on their official website sussex.com, the Duke and Duchess praised Roome's unwavering dedication.
The statement read: "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."
Lost Screen Memorial: A Tribute to Young Lives
Harry and Meghan unveiled the Lost Screen Memorial in New York City in April of last year. This poignant art installation features lightboxes designed to resemble smartphones, honouring children who have lost their lives due to online harm. The couple attended a private vigil at the site, standing in solidarity with nearly 50 families whose children are commemorated there, as reported by the Express.
They added in their statement: "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."
Broader Implications and Future Steps
The government's plans, outlined ahead of new initiatives by Sir Keir Starmer to prevent online harms, focus on holding social media companies accountable for the content fed to children. Ellen Roome emphasized the importance of this move, stating: "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."
She also expressed support for Lord Nash's amendment to raise the age limit to 16 for the most harmful platforms, urging further bravery in legislative efforts. "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," Roome concluded.
The Sussexes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the ripple effect of one parent's resolve: "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."
