foxnews.com
Utah Enacts Child Actor Protection Law Following Mommy Blogger's Abuse Conviction
Utah's new HB322 protects child actors, including social media influencers, by mandating 15% trust funds for their earnings and allowing content removal at age 18; this follows the child abuse conviction of parenting blogger Ruby Franke, whose daughter Shari advocated for the bill.
- What specific protections does the new Utah law, HB322, offer to child actors, and what prompted its creation?
- A new Utah law, HB322, provides financial and privacy protections for child actors, including those in social media content. This follows the conviction of parenting blogger Ruby Franke for child abuse, prompting her daughter Shari to advocate for such protections. The law mandates trust funds for minors' earnings and allows them to remove online content upon turning 18.
- How does HB322 address the financial and privacy concerns related to children's involvement in social media content creation?
- Shari Franke's activism highlights the potential exploitation of children in online content creation. HB322 addresses this by requiring parents to save a portion of their children's earnings and granting children control over their online presence as adults. This reflects growing concerns about the ethical implications of using children for profit in social media.
- What broader implications might HB322 have for child protection in the context of social media influencing, and what future legislative developments could it inspire?
- HB322 signifies a shift in legal frameworks surrounding child actors in the digital age, potentially influencing other states. It addresses the unique challenges posed by social media influencing, where children's image and privacy rights may be compromised for financial gain. This law could lead to further discussions and legislation concerning child protection in online content creation.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative strongly emphasizes the negative aspects of Ruby Franke's actions and the resulting legislation, shaping the reader's perception towards stricter regulation of child influencers. The headline and prominent placement of details about the child abuse case, and Shari Franke's activism, before providing context to the new law, contribute to this framing. The inclusion of the memoir title "The House of My Mother" also implies a focus on the abuse narrative.
Language Bias
The article uses terms like "disgraced," "abuse," and "exploit" which carry negative connotations. While accurate in the context of the case, these terms contribute to a generally negative tone. More neutral alternatives might include 'accused,' 'alleged abuse,' and 'monetization practices.' The repeated descriptions of Franke's parenting style as "unusual" and the overall emphasis on the negative aspects of her actions further influences perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative actions of Ruby Franke and the resulting child abuse case, but it omits discussion of potential positive impacts of family vlogging or the benefits some families might derive from such platforms. It also doesn't explore the broader debate around parental rights and children's online presence beyond the context of this specific case. While acknowledging space constraints is important, the omission of counterarguments might limit the reader's ability to form a fully nuanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between 'ethical' family vloggers and those who exploit their children. While the case highlights clear abuse, it doesn't fully explore the spectrum of practices and motivations within family vlogging. This framing might oversimplify the complexities of online parenting and influence.
Gender Bias
The article primarily focuses on the actions of female figures (Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt, and Shari Franke). While this reflects the central players in the case, it might unintentionally perpetuate a narrative that frames women as the primary perpetrators of child abuse in this context. More balanced coverage might explore the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties, regardless of gender.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new law, HB322, aims to protect children involved in the entertainment industry, including child influencers, by ensuring fair compensation and providing mechanisms for content removal upon reaching adulthood. This directly contributes to the protection of children's rights and well-being, a key aspect of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The law seeks to prevent exploitation and abuse, promoting justice and strong institutions that safeguard vulnerable populations.