Shari Franke's Testimony Sparks Change For Child Influencers

In a powerful testimony before Utah lawmakers, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter of disgraced family vlogger Ruby Franke, highlighted the urgent need for protective laws for child influencers. The 21-year-old, who gained fame on her mother’s YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, until her mother’s recent conviction for child abuse, spoke candidly about her experiences in the family vlogging industry. She emphasized that the lives of child influencers often lack the safeguards afforded to traditional child actors.

Shari's testimony came at a critical moment as more states are considering legislation to protect child influencers, akin to the Coogan Law, which ensures that a portion of child actors’ earnings are set aside for them. The issue has garnered attention following Ruby Franke's conviction, which exposed the darker sides of family vlogging, including allegations of severe discipline tactics and emotional abuse.

During her speech, Shari expressed, "I don’t come today as the daughter of a felon, nor a victim of an abnormally abusive mother. I come today as a victim of family vlogging." Her heartfelt words resonated with many, shedding light on the complexities of growing up in the public eye without proper legal protections.

Biography of Shari Franke

Key Takeaways from Shari Franke's Testimony

As more states consider legislation to protect child influencers, Shari Franke's powerful testimony serves as a catalyst for change. Her experiences, while painful, have sparked a necessary conversation about the need for legal protections for children who grow up in the public eye. Through her advocacy, Shari aims to ensure that other child influencers do not face the same challenges she did, emphasizing that every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment, free from exploitation.

Shari Franke plans to share more about her journey and experiences in her upcoming memoir, The House of My Mother, scheduled for release on January 7. Her story is one of resilience and hope, reminding us of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children in the digital age.