Ruby Franke’s Children Slam ‘Unethical’ Family Vlogging, Say They Won’t Follow in Mom’s Footsteps

Ruby Franke’s Kids Speak Out Against Family Vlogging, Refuse to Follow Suit​

Ruby Franke, a former parenting YouTuber, is facing backlash from her own children as they denounce the practice of family vlogging and declare their decision not to continue the tradition. In a recent interview on Good Morning America, Ruby’s eldest son, Chad Franke, and daughter, Shari Franke, openly shared their opinions on being raised in the spotlight and the negative impact it had on their lives.

Shari expressed her disapproval of family vlogging by labelling it as unethical, citing the invasive nature of constantly having cameras documenting their every move. She also revealed that family therapy sessions brought out a darker side of her mother, leading to a strained relationship within the family.

Chad, on the other hand, firmly stated that he had no intention of pursuing a vlogging career when he starts his own family. Learning from his mother’s mistakes, he emphasised the importance of privacy and keeping his future children out of the public eye. The siblings are resolute in their decision to distance themselves from their mother’s controversial legacy.

The Franke family’s tumultuous journey came to a head in 2023 when Ruby and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested for child abuse after one of Ruby’s sons managed to escape and seek help from a neighbour. Following a court sentencing in 2024, Ruby and Hildebrandt received prison terms for their crimes, with Ruby’s ex-husband, Kevin Franke, gaining full custody of their minor children.

Shari Franke has since released a book, shedding light on her harrowing experiences growing up in the Franke household and the impact of their popular YouTube channel, 8Passengers. Their story was further explored in a Hulu docuseries, revealing the dark underbelly of their once-celebrated family vlogging empire.

In response to the Franke case, Utah legislators passed a new law to protect minors appearing in online content, emphasising the need for informed consent and financial security for children involved in social media exposure. Kevin Franke has been a vocal advocate for this legislation, highlighting the importance of safeguarding children’s emotional well-being in the digital age.

The Franke family’s public ordeal has sparked a broader conversation about the ethical boundaries of family vlogging and the impact it can have on children thrust into the online spotlight. As they navigate the aftermath of their traumatic past, Ruby Franke’s children are determined to forge a different path for themselves and their future families, free from the constraints of fame and exploitation.

The Franke saga serves as a cautionary tale about the darker side of internet fame and the complexities of balancing personal and public identities in the era of social media. It remains to be seen how this family’s story will continue to unfold in the shifting landscape of online content creation and the ongoing quest for accountability and responsibility in the digital realm.