Parents may feel apprehensive thinking about their kids on social media, but the reality is young people regularly use platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

A survey published by Common Sense Media in March 2022 found that 84% of teens and 38% of tweens say they use social media, with 62% of teens and 18% of tweens saying they use it every day. These numbers underscore the importance of talking to young people about these platforms and their experiences.

When parents dont have regular conversations about social media with their kids, they can be very lost regarding the content their kids are engaging with and the people with whom they are connecting, Keneisha Sinclair-McBride , a clinical psychologist at Boston Childrens Hospital, told HuffPost. This can make it difficult to help if your kid runs into social media difficulties or sees some troubling content. It can create too much secrecy around social media, when openness is much more optimal.

Instead of making assumptions or showing judgment, be curious and open-minded about your childrens relationship with social media. Ask questions and be prepared to listen, even if it feels awkward.

Since social media is such a huge part of most preteens and teens lives, talking to them about their social media accounts allows you to connect with them on their level and have meaningful conversations about their interests and their views of the world, Sinclair-McBride added. The more they can show that they are willing to listen and help when needed, without just shutting down or taking their kids phone away, the more their kids will be willing to be open and honest with them.

To help inform these conversations, HuffPost asked Sinclair-McBride and other experts to share the questions they recommend parents ask their children about their social media accounts.

What accounts do you have?

Some parents are genuinely unaware of what their kids are doing on social media, Sinclair-McBride said. This basic question gives them a place to start. Parents can research information about the different social media platforms their kid is on and help them manage their accounts in safe and developmentally optimal ways.

However, as you broach the topic, dont just immediately jump in with this question.

It shouldnt be an interrogation it should be a conversation, said Kristene Geering, director of education at Parent Lab . In fact, it should be a series of conversations.

She recommended first connecting with them about something in your own social media world by saying something like, I had to put my phone down today because someone said something on Facebook that made me so mad!

After theyre done laughing at you because you still use Facebook, you can ask what social media platforms they use and why, Geering suggested.

Whats your favorite video/photo/meme right now?

Ask your child to show you one or a few recent videos, photos or memes that they saw on platforms like TikTok or Instagram and particularly liked.

This gives you a peek into whats popular in your kids world, Sinclair-McBride said. Parents can learn more about their kids interests and connect on a deeper level about what brings them joy. They can also, if applicable, begin a discussion about potential pitfalls with that piece of content is it misinformation? Discriminatory? Showing a dangerous idea as a prank?

Susan G. Groner, founder of The Parenting Mentor and author of Parenting with Sanity & Joy, similarly suggested asking your child to show you which accounts or profiles they like the best and why as well as which ones they like the least and why to encourage critical thinking. Consider asking why they continue to follow the accounts they like the least.

These questions create conversation and provide kids with a healthy framework for thinking about what they are viewing, she said. Id recommend the parent answer the questions as well, and show your kids the accounts you most like or dislike.