Rishika Shahi
In a poignant address to Utah lawmakers, Shari Franke, the daughter of controversial mommy vlogger Ruby Franke, opened up about the profound effects of family vlogging on her childhood. Following her mother’s sentencing for child abuse, Shari emphasized that “family vlogging ruined my innocence long before Ruby committed a crime.” Her testimony sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding child influencers and the urgent need for protective legislation.
Shari Franke’s Personal Testimony
“I come today as a victim of family vlogging,” Shari stated during her testimony.
In her heartfelt speech, Shari detailed how growing up in front of the camera affected her social life and mental health. She described feeling like an employee rather than a child, with no breaks from filming. This relentless exposure to public scrutiny has left lasting scars that she continues to grapple with.
“Family vlogging is comparable to family businesses, but all children are employees,” Shari explained. Shari talked about the unique challenges faced by child influencers, noting that unlike traditional family businesses, children in vlogs often have no say in their participation. This lack of agency can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety as they navigate their formative years under constant observation.
Call for Legislative Change
“There is no amount of money that can justify selling your soul as a child to the world,” Shari asserted.
During her address, Shari advocated for stronger protections for child influencers, emphasizing the need for financial safeguards and ethical guidelines. She urged lawmakers to consider the emotional toll that being in the public eye can take on young children and to implement measures that prioritize their well-being.
“Utah is specifically a hot spot for family content due to the LDS culture around family,” Shari noted.
Recognizing Utah’s unique cultural context, Shari called on lawmakers to take action before more children suffer from similar experiences. Rep. Doug Owens echoed her sentiments, proposing legislation that would ensure child influencers receive fair compensation for their work and protect their rights as they transition into adulthood.
“We need to tackle this issue before it becomes a bigger crisis,” Shari warned.
As discussions around child influencers gain momentum, Shari’s testimony serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding children’s rights in an increasingly digital world. By advocating for change now, there is hope that future generations will be protected from the pitfalls associated with family vlogging.
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