The Bold and the Beautiful Star Denise Richards Wants to Prevent Social Media Bullying

Recently, viewers of The Bold and the Beautiful learned about a philanthropic branch of Forrester Creations called the Forrester Foundation. In real-life, Denise Richards, who plays Shauna, is involved in a charitable organization of her own – the Quantum Foundation.

Denise Richards: Working For The Kids

Richards was inspired to start the foundation after she received some news about her daughter Eloise, who was diagnosed with a chromosomal disorder. Realizing that not everyone in her position has the means to seek help, the BB star, along with her husband Aaron Phypers, formed a non-profit that helps not only children but animals, too.

The Quantum Foundation‘s mission is to bring “forward the best innovations in wellness to help children and animals thrive daily. Through these technologies and educational programs, REACH (Research, Education, Animals, Children, Health) will optimize the mind, body, and spirit to achieve the highest emotional and physical state of being for all.”

“It’s going well,” Richards tells Soap Hub of her foundation. Alas, social-distancing and self-quarantining due to the worldwide pandemic have created some challenges. “We wanted to do some different camps over the summer but we couldn’t because of COVID.”

Richards has worked a lot with animal rescues over the years so combining aiding children and helping pets seemed like a perfect idea. “We want to do more when things get to a place where people can be around each other more,” she says.

The plan is to schedule activities and in-person fundraisers. “We’re working on some other stuff,” Richards adds. “It’s a passion of mine and my husband’s.”

Richards says kids today are faced with many challenges including cyber-bullying. “I would love to implement something where kids can’t be on social media until they’re 18,” she says. “There’s a lot of bullying [out there]. We’ve found animals can be of help to kids with certain situations like bullying. Kids have a lot of pressures and animals can help relieve some of those pressures.”

Done right, social media can be a great tool to connect with followers. In fact, Richards is so adept at it, posting stories about her life and interacting with her fans, she garnered a nomination for Favorite Social Media Star at the inaugural Soap Hub Awards in 2020.

“Thank you,” Richards says when Soap Hub complimented her on her posts. She adds with a laugh: “I think I’m terrible at it! I try to share some of my life because I’m very grateful to my fans. Without them, I wouldn’t have a job. Years ago, we didn’t have this way to interact with [supporters]. I do think that social media [can be] a wonderful platform to do that. There are certain things I try to avoid…I don’t want anyone to say, ‘Oh, why’d she share that?’” The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS. Check local listings for airtimes.