Instamoms are the online version of pageant or stage moms. Their daughters are usually enrolled in traditionally feminine extracurriculars, like dance, gymnastics or cheer, but the activities are ultimately just a vehicle for the true goal: making their girls rich and famous.

Instagram accounts are banned for children under the age of thirteen, but momagers get around this by opening and controlling the accounts on behalf of their daughters — some as young as six years old, according to the Times. They regularly post photos and videos of their girls for an audience of strangers, usually in tight, revealing clothing that is perfectly utile and appropriate in an athletic setting, but appears sinister in the context of a photoshoot for social media. ...

The moms readily admit that they know a bulk of their audience are “creeps” and that they often spend hours a day filtering comments or blocking accounts that attempt to flirt with their daughters or leave outright sexual or threatening replies. Some express some regret or shame at what the accounts have attracted. Yet none seem prepared to implement the obvious solution: shutting the accounts down. 

“I really don’t want my child exploited on the internet,” said a mom identified as Kaelyn. “But she’s been doing this so long now. Her numbers are so big. What do we do? Just stop it and walk away?”

Short answer: yes!