The story of Ruby Franke kids became a major topic of conversation as the popular YouTuber and mother-of-six faced intense public scrutiny. Ruby Franke rose to fame through her family channel, 8 Passengers, which showcased her daily life as a mom raising six children. While the content initially seemed wholesome, deeper issues later surfaced that drew media attention and concern for the well-being of the children involved. In this article, we take a detailed, human-centered look at Ruby Franke’s kids, the background of the family, and the events that changed everything.
The Rise of the 8 Passengers YouTube Channel
Ruby Franke launched the 8 Passengers YouTube channel in 2015. The channel featured her husband, Kevin Franke, and their six children. It quickly gained a large following thanks to its focus on parenting, discipline, homeschooling, and family vlogs. Viewers enjoyed watching the daily ups and downs of a big, tight-knit family.
Meet Ruby Franke’s Kids
Ruby and Kevin Franke have six children. Below is a simple breakdown of each child, including their age range, known traits, and how they were featured on the channel.
| Name | Approximate Age (as of 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shari Franke | 21 | Independent, outspoken, and now estranged |
| Chad Franke | 19 | Athletic, faced publicized discipline issues |
| Abby Franke | 17 | Quiet and reserved, focused on school |
| Julie Franke | 15 | Creative and thoughtful |
| Russell Franke | 13 | Energetic, involved in controversy |
| Eve Franke | 10 | Youngest, often featured in early videos |
Shari Franke: The Eldest and Most Vocal
Taking a Stand
Shari, the oldest of the ruby franke kids, became more independent as she entered adulthood. As the controversy surrounding Ruby grew, Shari distanced herself from her parents and started speaking out on social media. She used platforms like Instagram to share her truth and express concern about her siblings’ well-being.
Where Is She Now?
Shari is currently attending college and focusing on building her own life away from the drama. She has become a symbol of resilience and independence to many young followers.
Chad Franke: Discipline and Public Reactions
Controversial Parenting
Chad’s upbringing caught major attention when Ruby revealed on camera that he had been sleeping on a beanbag for months as a form of punishment. This drew strong criticism online. Many viewers questioned whether Ruby’s parenting style crossed the line into abuse.
Moving Forward
Chad has since stepped out of the spotlight. Although his current whereabouts are private, many hope he is receiving the care and privacy he deserves.
Abby and Julie Franke: The Middle Daughters
Abby and Julie were featured regularly but drew less controversy than Shari or Chad. Both girls were shown as kind and responsible, often helping around the house and looking after their younger siblings. Since the channel went offline, there has been little public information about them, as they are still minors and now under protective custody.
Russell and Eve Franke: The Youngest of the Six
Russell’s Experience
Russell’s story became one of the most alarming parts of the case. In 2023, he reportedly escaped from a home where he and his sister Eve were allegedly being held in unsafe conditions. This moment led to a police investigation and serious legal consequences for Ruby.
Eve Franke: Too Young for the Spotlight
As the youngest of the ruby franke kids, Eve was just a toddler when the channel started. Many viewers raised concerns about how early and frequently she was featured. Her behavior on camera sometimes reflected signs of stress or confusion, leading to further concern from child development experts.
Controversy and Legal Action
In 2023, Ruby Franke was arrested on child abuse charges after Russell’s escape led authorities to investigate. The case shocked long-time followers. Viewers who once admired her parenting now questioned the safety and health of all six children.
Timeline of Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 8 Passengers channel launched |
| 2016–2020 | Channel gains over 2 million subscribers |
| 2020 | Shari begins distancing herself |
| 2022 | Concerns grow over parenting practices |
| 2023 | Ruby Franke arrested on charges of child abuse |
| 2024 | Legal proceedings continue; children placed in safe custody |
Public Response and Impact on the Kids
The public response to the case has been massive. While some former fans expressed shock and sadness, others admitted they had long suspected something was off. Experts have emphasized that child safety and mental health must come before social media fame. The children’s experiences have sparked a larger conversation about family vlogging ethics.
Life After the Channel
Since the shutdown of the 8 Passengers YouTube channel and Ruby’s arrest, the kids have been largely removed from the public eye. This is seen as a necessary step to allow them healing and privacy. Authorities have confirmed the children are receiving proper care and support.
Lessons from the Ruby Franke Kids’ Story
| Lesson | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Privacy Matters | Children deserve a private, safe childhood—especially online |
| Social Media Isn’t Always Real | Viewers should question what they see on family vlogs |
| Speak Up for Others | Shari’s actions showed the importance of standing up for what’s right |
| Parenting Should Evolve | Healthy parenting involves listening, not just enforcing rules |
The Bigger Picture: Family Vlogging and Ethics
This story has opened up a national debate. Should children be featured on family vlogs? What rights do kids have when their parents are profiting from their lives? Many advocacy groups are now pushing for stronger regulations around children in online content.
Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges the ruby franke kids have faced, there’s hope. With legal support, therapy, and time away from the spotlight, they have a chance to heal and grow in healthier environments. Their story may also help other kids in similar situations who feel voiceless.
FAQs About Ruby Franke Kids
How many kids does Ruby Franke have?
Ruby Franke has six children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
What happened to the Franke kids?
After Ruby Franke’s arrest, the children were placed in safe custody and removed from the home due to abuse allegations.
Are Ruby Franke’s kids okay now?
Authorities have confirmed that all six children are safe and receiving the care they need.
Why did Shari Franke speak out?
Shari, the eldest, became concerned about her younger siblings and used her platform to raise awareness and support them.
What is 8 Passengers?
8 Passengers was the family’s YouTube channel, active from 2015 to 2022, showcasing their daily lives before it was taken down due to controversy.
Will the kids ever return to social media?
It’s uncertain. Many believe they deserve privacy and healing time before making any public return.
The story of ruby franke kids is not just about one family. It’s a powerful reminder of the real lives behind online content, the importance of ethical parenting, and the role society plays in protecting children. As we move forward, may this story guide more responsible content creation and encourage viewers to look beyond the lens.