Parents Outraged Over Discovery Girls Magazine Swimsuit Issue Giving Suggestions For Those 'Curvy On Top,' 'Rounder In The Middle'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A magazine catered to young girls is being accused of introducing body image issues after publishing an article about how to choose a bathing suit.

CBS2's Elise Finch reported Discovery Girls magazine included a layout in its latest issue titled "What Swimsuit Best Suits You," giving style suggestions for girls who are "curvy on top," "straight up and down," and "rounder in the middle."

The issue is being heavily criticized by parents.

"It's disgusting. I mean, we have enough problems with teenagers," Ariana Levin, a mother in Harlem, said. "It kind of breaks my heart a little bit."

Maria Johnson of East New York said, "It's giving the kids the wrong impression about their body."

"I don't think it's right for young kids to have to worry about this already," Tayla Montague of the Upper West Side said.

The article evoked outrage online as Facebook groups like New Jersey Moms commented, "Then we wonder why girls have body issues."

Licensed clinical social worker Carolyn Meyer-Wartels said the problem is that information in the article is negatively framed.

"Telling girls you should feel uptight or uncomfortable about these body parts and this bathing suit will help disguise it or cover it up," Meyer-Wartels said.

The feedback about the swimsuit feature has been so negative the Discovery Girls publisher admitted their mistake in an open letter on Facebook.

"The article was supposed to be about finding cute, fun swimsuits that make girls feel confident, but instead it focused on girls' body image and had a negative impact," the statement read.

Parenting experts said this article presents a real teachable moment, making it a good time for parents to have an honest conversation with their child.

"Say, 'What do you think about this?' And, 'What's your reaction to this?' And, 'Is this appropriate?'" Meyer-Wartels said.

Author and parenting expert Erika Katz said parents should also lead by example.

"The worst thing you can do is to criticize your own body in front of your child," Kratz said. "The way you behave is how your child will behave, so if you're positive about yourself, you're more likely to have a child that's positive about themselves."

A number of parents said they won't let their children read the latest issue and believe the issue should be pulled from school libraries.