With the rising popularity of social media networks, people of all ages have access to as much information as they'd like. This is especially dangerous for children and teenagers, as online websites are one of the main perpetrators of bullying these days. One of the first things people attack is another's physical appearance. Of course, online outlets and oppressors aren't the only way children can lose a positive idea of their body image.

Parents try to do everything in their power to prevent their children from losing self-confidence, especially during the developmental stages of a kid's life. When it comes to stopping their youngster from establishing a negative body image, adults can take the following steps:

Differentiate between "always" and "sometimes" foods

It's important for children to understand their body is a product of how they treat it. That means a healthy eating regimen and frequent physical activity is crucial to a strong kid. However, there's always occasions where parents and children can - and should - indulge. It's a mother's and father's responsibility to educate their tot on consuming "always" and "sometimes" foods, according to Parents.com. This tactic teaches kids that some items are better consumed in small quantities and less often. Using "always" and "sometimes" takes the stigma off indulging and alleviates the pressure of "good" vs "bad."

Parents can prevent their children from having a poor body image by setting a strong example.

Be a strong example

Children have a good intuition and are always watching what the role models in their life are saying and doing. Parents need to remember this, even if they're struggling with their own body image. By setting a good example and maintaining a positive attitude toward their figure and food, adults can show kids that appearance isn't everything. Instead, a person's skills and abilities should always play a greater part in their image of themselves than anything else. To do this, families can avoid words like "diet" and "fat" and promote strength in acceptance, according to About Kids Health.

Educate children about puberty

A youngster's body is subject to change as time goes on. Every parent remembers the horrible time that was puberty. The period is filled with self-doubt, as boys and girls become men and women. It's understandable why children would have a poor body image during this time, but it's crucial for families to ensure their youngsters that this stage is normal - and more importantly, that puberty will pass. By educating them on the regular changes that go along with growing up, parents can put their kids at ease and open a dialogue where children can share their insecurities.

Listen

Sometimes, children just want to be heard. It's easy for parents to immediately jump to reassurances, as they want to quell their kid's insecurities. Instead of rushing to sympathies, moms and dads should simply listen. Once adults have heard their youngsters out, they should redirect those inaccurate beliefs, according to Kids Health. The goal is for older family members to convey similar suffering they've experienced while letting kids know those ideas about their bodies have no hold over their potential.

While a negative body image is normal for kids of a certain age - especially during puberty - parents can't let that idea hold them back. There are certain steps adults can take to combat this insecurity, including good eating habits, setting a strong example, providing puberty education and simply listening. Overall, the most important thing parents can provide to their children is support.