News
US states are finally starting to put in place protections for the kids of family vloggers
Jessica Maddox, University of Alabama
Ruby Franke was once one of the most popular YouTube family vloggers, posting videos featuring her husband and six children on her channel, 8 Passengers, that racked up over 1 billion views.
In some, she chronicled their family vacations and family activities, such as painting together. In others, she detailed how she banned her 16-year-old son from sleeping in his bedroom for seven months and threatened to behead a stuffed animal.
In August 2023, Franke was charged with child abuse and pleaded guilty four months later.
While the crimes that led to the charges, such as denying her kids water and handcuffing them for extended periods of time, didn’t appear on 8 Passengers, her children viewed the vlogging as a larger pattern of abuse.
In October 2024, 21-year-old Shari Franke, Ruby’s oldest daughter, testified to Utah lawmakers about what being a child influencer against her will had done to her.
“I come today as a victim of family vlogging,” Shari said, “to shed light on the ethical and monetary issues that come from being a child influencer.” She added, “If I could go back and do it all again, I’d rather have an empty bank account now and not have my childhood plastered all over the internet. No amount of money I received has made what I’ve experienced worth it.”
Her testimony took place just a few weeks after California passed a law mandating that a portion of proceeds from social media content featuring kids must be set aside in a trust for the child when they turn 18.
I’m a social media researcher who’s spent the past two years advocating for the children of family vloggers. As recently as 18 months ago, I’d written about how there were no legal protections for the children of influencers, even as child actors have robust laws in place to protect their earnings.
Now that’s starting to change – but there’s still more work to be done.
New laws for a new age
Some children featured in their parents’ social media content go viral as toddlers; others have their first menstrual cycles broadcast to the world; and they can be pressured by their parents to be the talent that sustains their family’s financial livelihood.
California has the Coogan Act, which protects the financial interests of entertainers under 18. But this was passed in 1939, long before the rise of social media; until recently, there has been no comparable Coogan Act for the children of family vloggers.
In August 2023, however, Illinois became the first U.S. state to pass a law protecting the financial interests of the children of family vlogging. The bill requires parents to put aside 50% of the earnings for a piece of content featuring their child. The money must go into a trust that the child can access upon turning 18. If there’s no money available for them, they can sue their parents.
Minnesota was the next state to pass this kind of legislation, in May 2024. This one went beyond financial considerations, prohibiting children under 14 from appearing in more than 30% of their parents’ social media content. If children do appear in these videos and the videos are monetized, money must be put into an account, similar to Illinois.
In December 2023, I consulted with legislators on drafts of California’s measure. This bill, which was signed into law in September 2024, is similar to Illinois’ law but has been considered an important step in regulating family vlogging content given the state’s relationship with the entertainment industry.
Work is work
These laws are not geared toward the casual parent who wants to share a picture of their child on Facebook or Instagram. They’re putting guardrails in place for a form of child labor that, until recently, has gone wildly unchecked.
In the spring of 2024, I provided written testimony to the state of Missouri, which was considering its own law. I pointed out that there are more than 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute, TikTok boasts more than 150 million active monthly users in the U.S. alone, and Instagram users watch 17.6 million hours of Reels per day. I explained how, over the past decade, I’ve interviewed over 150 content creators and influencers – and I’ll often hear them say they’ve been paid upward of $8,000 per post.
Brand sponsorships remain a gray area in these laws; most of the new legislation encompasses only payments directly from platforms. But I want to emphasize that we’re not talking about a few extra bucks here and there. It can be enough money to raise a family. And it’s work – for everyone involved.
What’s next
Illinois, Minnesota and California may have passed laws, but the issue remains on the table elsewhere.
Washington state has tried to introduce such a bill, and Shari Franke’s testimony came as Utah begins considering its own legislation. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y2xi4-IMnTc?wmode=transparent&start=0 Ruby Franke’s oldest daughter, Shari, testifies before the Utah Legislature in October 2024.
However, I believe that any work on combating the problem of exploiting children for social media demands a holistic approach.
Importantly, children cannot consent to appearing in their parents’ content. While it may seem fun to appear in mom or dad’s video, young children have no concept of the internet’s dangers. They don’t understand that content can move beyond its intended audience. They don’t understand that the internet is forever – that one day, when they’re applying to college or for jobs, Google search results may yield their baby photos.
In 2023, Maryland attempted to introduce legislation that would include Right To Be Forgotten provisions – an addendum allowing children to request social media platforms delete content about them when they turn 18. The measure never gained momentum, and the bill stalled. But states can look to the European Union, which has some of the strongest Right to Be Forgotten legislation in the world, for inspiration.
Social media platforms also have a role to play. If they wanted to, they could regulate or ban monetized content centered on children. That being said, family vlogging content is a moneymaker for platforms: It racks up billions of views, which keeps audiences on the hosting site, such as YouTube or Instagram, for longer. So you might assume that platforms would never intervene on their own if it risked hurting their bottom line.
But one thing I’ve learned from studying social media platform governance is that public opinion matters. And in my ongoing research on family vlogging, I’ve witnessed a massive shift in public opinion over the past two years, as the press pays more attention to the phenomenon, content creators and audiences are more critical of it, and former children of family vloggers, like Shari Franke, tell their stories.
If platforms can quickly churn out their own versions of AI chatbots, they can build teams to figure out how to help regulate and enforce family vlogging legislation in the U.S. – and have the opportunity, in my view, to be on the right side of history.
Jessica Maddox, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Creative Media, University of Alabama
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Exciting news is on the horizon for commuters in the Santa Barbara and Goleta area! After years of planning and anticipation, the Metrolink commuter train service is set to launch this fall, providing a new, efficient way to travel between Ventura County and Santa Barbara County. With the increasing focus on alternative transportation options, this project represents a significant step forward for our communities and environment.
The Journey Begins
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) is at the forefront of this initiative, fulfilling a promise made to voters who approved a funding tax aimed at both widening the freeway and exploring innovative transportation alternatives. Originally considered along with Amtrak, the decision to partner with Metrolink emerged, as their schedules proved more conducive to the commuter needs of the area.
Metrolink’s plan is to operate a streamlined route starting from Moorpark, with stops in our beautiful Santa Barbara and Goleta, avoiding the timing conflicts that hampered the Amtrak discussions. Aaron Bonfilio, SBCAG’s Director of Multimodal Programs, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “working with them to develop this agreement is critical to the next step. And that’s what this is all about.”
A Convenient Ride
Imagine leaving Oxnard at a crisp 7 a.m. and arriving in Santa Barbara by 7:51 a.m., or reaching Goleta shortly after at 8:03 a.m. The convenience of this service is striking, with additional afternoon departures that will surely benefit daily commuters. Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Oh, that’s totally reasonable,” highlighting the strategic scheduling designed to meet local needs.
Riders can look forward to a brand new train depot in Goleta, currently under construction, with daily bus connections to enhance accessibility. Bonfilio mentioned the multiple options available through the Coastal Express, providing around 20 trips in both directions each morning and afternoon.
An Affordable and Productive Commute
The introductory round-trip fare of just $10, or $5 in each direction, is a refreshing incentive intended to encourage residents to leave their cars behind. It’s not only planet-friendly but wallet-friendly, too! For those opting to work during their commute, Mayor Perotte noted that riding the train may even allow workers to log their commute time since they can be productive on their laptops while on board.
Initial projections show around 200 daily riders, and with a capacity for over 500, there’s plenty of room for growth. “I think once people get used to riding the train, they’re going to love it,” said Mayor Perotte, sharing her vision of creating a new commuting habit that moves people away from sitting in traffic.
Ready to Roll
SBCAG is currently finalizing agreements to ensure everything is in place before the fall launch, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in commuting for Santa Barbara and Goleta residents. This initiative not only represents a practical solution to transportation challenges but also offers a glimpse into a future where public transit continues to evolve.
In closing, let’s prepare to say goodbye to traffic woes and hello to the ease and joy of train travel. Get ready to hop on the Metrolink and enjoy the ride into a more connected and sustainable future! 🚆✨
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
In a significant health alert, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has upgraded the recall of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon to a Class I designation, indicating a serious health risk. This recall follows the discovery of Listeria monocytogenes during routine laboratory testing.
Originally announced in late October, the recall involved 111 cases of smoked salmon packaged in twin 12-ounce units, with a UPC number of 0 96619 25697 6 and a lot number of 8512801270. The affected products have a best-by date of November 13, 2024, and were distributed between October 9 and October 13, 2024, specifically to Costco locations in Florida.
Listeria monocytogenes is known to cause listeriosis, a severe infection that can result in serious health complications or even death, especially among vulnerable populations such as pregnant individuals, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product, consumers are advised to check their freezers for these recalled items.
Costco is urging customers who purchased this product to return it for a full refund.
For your safety, the FDA reminds consumers that Listeria can be found in a variety of foods, particularly raw or smoked seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and deli meats. If you suspect you may have consumed contaminated food, please consult with a healthcare professional.
Stay safe and informed by regularly checking for updates on food recalls from reliable sources.
Related links:
The FDA Issued a Class I Recall on Costco’s Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon https://www.foodandwine.com/costco-kirkland-signature-smoked-salmon-class-i-recall-listeria-monocytogenes-8780336
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Groundbreaking for a Sustainable Future: LA Metro’s Southeast Gateway Line Light Rail Project
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Lifestyle
Newsweek Names Delta Dental of California One of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2025
Annual ranking recognizes companies fostering inclusion and championing diversity based on anonymous employee feedback, public data, and third-party research.
SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, the leading dental insurance provider, has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in 2025. This distinguished award is presented by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group to recognize U.S. companies across industries that prioritize fostering diversity and inclusive workplace cultures.
“Our people are our greatest asset,” said Brian Sherman, executive vice president and chief people officer of Delta Dental of California and Affiliates. “This recognition reflects our deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs that support and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of our employees.”
America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity is an annual ranking determined by a rigorous evaluation of public data, HR insights, and anonymous employee surveys. The list honors organizations with over 1,000 employees that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to offering distinctive company cultures inclusive of backgrounds and demographics, including age group, race, cultures, and sexual orientations. Research suggests about 80 percent of U.S. workers believe it’s important for companies to create inclusive cultures.
“As companies in the United States continue to navigate the evolving dynamics of the workplace, diversity remains a cornerstone of organizational success and social responsibility,” said Nancy Cooper, global editor in chief of Newsweek. “Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2025,’ highlighting companies committed to building inclusive workplaces.”
Delta Dental of California received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in 2024. The company has also been recognized with other Newsweek accolades, including America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023, and Americas Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families 2023.
Delta Dental is committed to providing consistent, quality access to oral health care, improving education and driving lasting policy changes to address systemic issues. To learn more about what makes Delta Dental of California and Affiliates one of the best employers in the U.S., visit our career page.
About Delta Dental of California and Affiliates
Since 1955, Delta Dental of California and Affiliates has offered comprehensive, high-quality oral health care coverage to millions of enrollees and built the strongest network of dental providers in the country. The Delta Dental of California enterprise includes its affiliates Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, Delta Dental of New York, Inc., as well as the national DeltaCare USA network, and provides dental benefits to more than 31 million people across 15 states and the District of Columbia.* All are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association based in Chicago, Illinois, the not-for-profit national association that through a national network of Delta Dental companies collectively covers millions of people nationwide. Delta Dental is a registered trademark of Delta Dental Plans Association.
For more information about Delta Dental of California and Affiliates, please visit www.deltadentalins.com
*Delta Dental of California and Affiliates’ operating areas encompass Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
SOURCE Delta Dental of California
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Urbanism1 year agoSignal Hill, California: A Historic Enclave Surrounded by Long Beach
-
News2 years agoDiana Gregory Talks to us about Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoThe Absolute Most Comfortable Pickleball Shoe I’ve Ever Worn!
-
STM Blog2 years agoWorld Naked Gardening Day: Celebrating Body Acceptance and Nature
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years agoACE PICKLEBALL CLUB TO DEBUT THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED INDOOR PICKLEBALL FRANCHISES IN THE US, IN EARLY 2023
-
Travel2 years agoUnique Experiences at the CitizenM
-
Automotive2 years ago2023 Nissan Sentra pricing starts at $19,950
-
Senior Pickleball Report2 years ago“THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS OF PICKLEBALL” – VOTING OPEN