Seemingly innocent images, such as that of a strawberry or horse, could have darker meanings (Picture: Surrey Police/SWNS)
A terrifying guide to what emojis might really mean when used by kids – including an image of ‘eyes’ used to mean ‘drug dealer’ – has been released.
The ‘secret world of emojis’ shows the darker side of what the colourful symbols are used for – such as in code for drugs and sex.
A list of examples include using a strawberry, dog, cherries, cake, ice cream or leaves to indicate cannabis.
An aubergine or a peach could represent sex and an alien or a mask might mean MDMA.
Meanwhile a blowfish, petrol pump or a snowflake can represent cocaine use, while a fist or a rocket might mean how powerful the substances are.
Emojis of a pair of eyes or a power cable might mean someone is a drug dealer – while a horse can mean ketamine and a balloon ‘NOS’.
Surrey Police has put out the guide as part of a campaign to make parents more ’emoji aware’.
Det Ch Insp Kate Hyder said: ‘We really want parents and guardians to feel confident to have a conversation with their children about this, if and when they need to.’
Police are calling on parents to be ’emoji aware’ (Picture: Getty Images)
Emojis – small icons which convey emotion – have become a popular way to communicate across all ages.
But Surrey Police say there is a ‘secret world of emojis’ – with ‘more concerning meanings’.
The force said it had spent the last two weeks campaigning to raise awareness, as ‘some young people may use [emojis] to reference drugs and sexual behaviour’.
Det Ch Insp Hyder added: ‘We’re also aware that emojis and their alternative meanings are something that will constantly change, and so our work and research into this will continue.’
Police have urged parents to be ’emoji aware’ and have vital conversations with their children.
A force statement said: ‘We’re very aware that checking phones could break down this trust between a parent and their child, and therefore we are not suggesting parents do this.
‘Instead, we want people to be aware of what these emojis mean, in case they do happen to see them.’
Police added that, although the emojis can have serious meanings, use on their own does not necessarily mean a child is involved in drugs.
Instead, this may be seen as part of a bigger picture of a change in their behaviour, such as a change in mood.
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Seemingly innocent images, such as that of a strawberry or dog, could have darker meanings.
