Everything You Need To Know About the Secret Codes & Emojis Teens Are Using Online

You're an internet-savvy mom. You know about social media, and yes, you've been texting since you were a teen yourself, but you still might be surprised to learn that your teen may be able to buy illegal drugs on social media without you ever knowing. Teens have been using secret emoji codes to find drugs online for the past several years, and it's becoming a dangerous problem.

It's such an issue that the US Drug Enforcement Administration, or DEA, actually has released an "Emoji Drug Code" guide for parents. It's not just drugs either; teens have come up with deceptive codes to use while sexting and just to hide things from their parents. Kids may not realize how dangerous their online communications can be, but as parents, it's our job to be on top of it.

With that in mind, we're sharing details about some of the secret online emoji codes and acronyms you should be on the lookout for on your teen's devices.

The DEA's list of codes is extensive.

OPCK_2.0_Emoji_Codes-Poster1024_1.jpg
DEA

The list of emojis teens are using to secretly procure drugs on social media is long and includes emojis used to symbolize oxycodone, Xanax, Percocet and Adderall, as well as meth, cocaine, MDMA, and even cough syrup.

The guide indicates there are also specific emojis drug dealers use to identify themselves, whether they deliver, and specific amounts of drugs available for purchase.

There are a number of emojis used just for oxycodone.

Screen_Shot_2022-06-14_at_2.45.42_PM.png
DEA

In the medical world, oxycodone is a narcotic used to treat pain. It's a highly addictive drug that can cause respiratory distress or even death, in the event of an overdose, or when it's taken with alcohol or other drugs.

Some of the emojis used to indicate oxycodone are a honey pot, the fire emoji, the chick emoji, the football emoji, a snowcone, and a cardboard box.

Emojis for other prescription drugs exist as well.

Screen_Shot_2022-06-14_at_4.05.16_PM.png
DEA

Despite being illegal without a prescription, drugs such as Adderall, Percocet, and Xanax are common among recreational drug users. All three are denoted with a pill-shaped emoji on social media and in text messages. The chocolate bar and school bus emojis symbolize Xanax, the blue dot and parking emojis are used for Percocet, and the train emoji represents Adderall.

There are many other emoji drug codes.

Screen_Shot_2022-06-14_at_4.11.20_PM.png
DEA

Yes, it's a lot to keep up with. Dozens of emoji drug codes exist. In addition to the codes that represent prescription drugs, there are codes for drugs such as cocaine, heroine, meth, MDMA (ecstasy), mollies (ecstasy), and marijuana.

Some of the emojis to look out for are a snowflake, diamond, eightball, snake, brown heart, crystal ball, blue heart, palm tree, shamrock, and blue candy.

Kids will sometimes try to get high or drunk off with cough syrup, which may be indicated by an emoji depicting a bunch of grapes, a baby bottle, or a purple heart.

Some emoji codes provide information, the DEA says.

Screen_Shot_2022-06-14_at_4.18.14_PM.png
DEA

In addition to emojis that represent specific drugs, a maple leaf is used for drugs in general, and a chocolate chip cookie emoji indicates amounts.

Drug dealers may also use emojis to communicate certain information such as whether they deliver (car, gas stall, cellphone), and when a package has been delivered (cardboard box, parachute).

Parents should watch for certain sexting codes as well.

Chances are, you're probably aware of most of the emojis used in sexting conversations. The eggplant and taco emojis are commonly used for male and female genitalia. The peach emoji refers to a butt, as does the cake emoji. Cherries can be used to refer to breasts, and a bunch of grapes represents male anatomy.

You may not have heard of the camel emoji being used to indicate sex. (Think camel "hump.") A banana sometimes refers to a hand job, and any of these emojis with a tongue alongside it … well, you know.

Also keep an eye out for twin females wearing bunny ears (prostitutes) and the circus tent (erection) emojis. It's also a good idea to check for certain acronyms. GNOC (get naked on camera), LH6 (let's have sex), MOS (mom over the shoulder), WTTP (want to trade photos), IWSN (I want sex now), GYPO (get your pants off), and CU46 (see you for sex) are some of the biggies.

Don't freak out.

Whatever you do, try not to freak out if you actually see any of these emojis. Context is super-important. You don't want to risk accusing teens of something if they are totally innocent. Many kids likely don't even know the alternate meanings of some of these emojis and are using them for their original purposes.

Always be thorough in reading the messages, and be sure to regularly check up on your child's devices to avoid feelings of being threatened when you do a pop in.