Where did Shari Franke go to college?
Shari Franke is the eldest daughter of Ruby Franke, the controversial YouTube personality behind the 8 Passengers channel. Initially gaining fame from the family vlogs, Shari has since become an advocate for child privacy and safety after her family’s involvement in a highly publicized case of child abuse and exploitation. Today, she is a vocal critic of family vlogging and an advocate for children’s rights in the digital space.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Shari Franke |
| Date of Birth | Early 2000s |
| Place of Birth | Utah, United States |
| Occupation | Advocate, Author, Former YouTuber |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1–2 million (2025) |
Shari Franke’s Early Life
Shari Franke was born and raised in Utah, United States. As the eldest child of Ruby Franke and Kevin Franke, she grew up in a family that would later gain significant attention due to the 8 Passengers YouTube channel. While Shari’s early life appeared typical to most, her childhood was heavily influenced by the unique dynamics of being raised in a family that filmed and shared nearly every aspect of their lives with millions of viewers.
Growing up, Shari attended public schools in Utah, where she balanced her studies with the pressures of being a part of a famous family. While her family’s fame brought certain perks, it also introduced challenges that Shari would later address publicly. Despite the exposure, Shari experienced a relatively normal childhood in terms of schooling but struggled with the effects of public scrutiny as the family’s YouTube channel grew.
Shari Franke’s YouTube Career
Shari Franke became known to the public through her involvement in the 8 Passengers YouTube channel, which was started by her mother, Ruby Franke. The channel initially gained popularity for documenting the daily life of the Franke family, providing a glimpse into their activities, routines, and family dynamics. As the eldest child, Shari was often at the center of the content, which included school activities, family vacations, and even personal milestones.
However, as the channel grew in popularity, so did the public’s scrutiny of the Franke family’s parenting methods. While initially the content was loved by viewers, it soon attracted criticism for the strict and controversial methods of discipline showcased in the videos. Shari, who was featured prominently, began to experience the negative effects of growing up in the public eye, especially as the channel’s content increasingly focused on her and her siblings.
Over time, Shari became more aware of the dangers of putting children in the spotlight for entertainment purposes. This realization, combined with the growing public criticism of her family’s approach to parenting, led her to distance herself from the channel and eventually become a strong advocate for child privacy and the ethical concerns surrounding family vlogging.
Where did Shari Franke go to college?
Shari Franke attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where she pursued political science. Combining her academic interests with her growing commitment to social issues, Shari gained an understanding of privacy rights, particularly for children in the digital age. Her time at BYU helped shape her journey as an advocate for child safety and digital privacy.
Shari Franke’s Memoir: “The House of My Mother”
In January 2025, Shari Franke published her memoir, “The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom”. The book explores the emotional and physical abuse Shari and her siblings faced, providing a first-hand account of the trauma they endured under their mother’s care. The memoir also touches on the ethical issues surrounding family vlogging, child exploitation, and Shari’s own path to healing.
The memoir became an important tool for Shari to advocate for children’s rights and raise awareness about the impact of exploiting children for online fame. It also brought attention to the need for stronger regulations around family vlogging and the consequences of putting children in the public eye without their consent.
Shari Franke’s Siblings
Shari is the eldest of several siblings. She has a younger brother and sister, both of whom were featured on the 8 Passengers channel. While Shari has been the most vocal about the abuse they faced, her siblings also endured similar challenges. They’ve been affected by their experiences, and today, they are focused on their own healing journeys.
Shari has a strong relationship with her siblings despite the challenges they’ve faced. They continue to support each other, and their bond remains an essential part of Shari’s personal healing journey.
shari franke fiance
In December 2024, popular content creator Shari Franke surprised her followers by announcing her engagement on Instagram. While the news sparked curiosity, Shari quickly clarified that she will no longer be sharing personal details about her private life — including any information about her future husband. This decision means that the name and identity of Shari Franke’s fiancé remain undisclosed. Fans continue to speculate, but Shari has chosen to protect this part of her life from the public eye, focusing instead on her career and personal growth.
Shari Franke’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Shari Franke’s net worth is estimated to be around $1–2 million. Much of her wealth came from her early involvement with the 8 Passengers YouTube channel. However, since distancing herself from the channel, Shari’s memoir and advocacy work have contributed significantly to her financial success. Her growing influence in the digital privacy space has further enhanced her career and financial standing.
Shari Franke’s Mother: Ruby Franke
Ruby Franke, Shari’s mother, is a former YouTube personality best known for running the 8 Passengers channel. Ruby created content that revolved around the day-to-day activities of her family, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of her six children and her husband. However, Ruby’s parenting style and approach to raising her children in the public eye became controversial over time. The channel, which once had millions of subscribers, became the subject of intense scrutiny after viewers criticized Ruby’s harsh discipline techniques and lack of boundaries for her children.
In August 2023, Ruby’s life took a tragic turn when she was arrested along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt on charges of aggravated child abuse. This followed an incident in which one of Shari’s younger siblings escaped the house and sought help. The investigation uncovered years of abuse, and Shari and her siblings were removed from the home. Ruby’s arrest marked the beginning of Shari’s public advocacy against family vlogging and the exploitation of children in online content.
Despite the public fallout, Shari has spoken about the abuse she endured at the hands of her mother, while also acknowledging the complexity of their relationship. She has made it clear that her advocacy for child privacy stems from the lessons she learned through her painful experiences, including the trauma caused by her mother’s vlogging practices.
Shari Franke’s Achievements
- Author of “The House of My Mother” (2025)
- Advocate for Child Privacy and Safety
- Vocal Critic of Family Vlogging
- Survivor of Abuse and Advocate for Healing
- Social Media Advocate for Ethical Content Creation
Shari’s achievements extend far beyond her early fame as a YouTube personality. She has turned her painful experiences into a powerful platform for change, advocating for the protection of children from exploitation. Through public speaking, her memoir, and online activism, Shari continues to inspire change in the digital world.
Shari Franke’s Legacy and Impact
Shari Franke’s story is one of transformation, healing, and advocacy. From her childhood in the public eye to her current role as a leading advocate for child privacy, Shari has used her voice to inspire positive change. She remains focused on her mission to create a safer, more ethical digital world where children’s privacy is respected, and their well-being is prioritized.
Social Links
- Instagram: @sharilfranke
- Facebook: 8passengersshari
- YouTube: Shari Franke
- TikTok: @sharilfranke
FAQs
- Where did Shari Franke go to college?
Shari Franke attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where she pursued a degree in political science. - Is Shari Franke engaged?
As of now, there is no public information confirming Shari Franke’s engagement. - Who are the Haymonds to Shari Franke?
The Haymonds are family friends of the Franke family. They have been mentioned in Shari’s public statements about her experiences growing up. - Did Shari Franke write her book herself?
Yes, Shari Franke wrote her own memoir, detailing her experiences growing up in the “8 Passengers” family and the abuse she endured. - What is a Memorist?
A memorist is someone who writes about personal experiences, often focusing on events or periods in their life, usually in the form of a memoir. - Are Shari and Chad siblings?
Yes, Shari Franke and Chad Franke are siblings. They both appear in their family’s YouTube videos, although Shari has distanced herself from that content. - Does Chad Franke have an Instagram?
Yes, Chad Franke has an Instagram account, though his social media presence is much more limited compared to his siblings. - What happened to Shari Franke’s YouTube career?
Shari Franke stopped participating in her family’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” after her experiences led her to become a vocal critic of family vlogging. - What is Shari Franke’s stance on family vlogging?
Shari is a vocal critic of family vlogging, particularly the exploitation of children for online content, which she addresses in her memoir and public statements. - How did Shari Franke cope with her childhood trauma?
Shari has spoken about using therapy and finding her own path to healing, focusing on advocacy and raising awareness about the harms of family vlogging. - What inspired Shari Franke to write her memoir?
Shari was motivated by her desire to expose the truth about her family’s experiences and to advocate for child privacy and safety in the digital space. - What does Shari Franke do now?
Shari Franke is an advocate for children’s rights, focusing on privacy and the ethical concerns of family vlogging, and she continues to share her experiences through various media channels.
