As the kids head back to school, many bringing their personal digital devices with them, the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) is highlighting the importance of parental awareness regarding the online language of emojis and acronyms.
The AFP has updated its list of emojis and acronyms frequently used in Australian youth’s digital communications. Certain symbols and terms might appear innocent but the AFP are encouraging parents and carers to familiarise themselves with this language to better look out for their children.
“Emojis and acronyms are commonly used by Australian children and young people in online communication and are usually harmless fun, but some have double meanings that may seem trivial but can be quite alarming,” shared AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider.
“For example, the experience of our specialist investigators has shown that in some situations, emojis such as the devil face could be a sign your child is engaging in sexual activity online.
“More worryingly, the phrase ‘catching a case’ is being used by offenders to show their willingness to be arrested and charged for their abhorrent interactions against someone who is often underage or in a position of vulnerability.
“It is very important parents and carers are aware of what kind of emojis and acronyms their children are using when speaking to people online, and what they might mean.”
The ACCCE stresses the importance of maintaining open lines of communication about online safety to prevent misunderstandings and potential dangers. The centre reported receiving 58,503 alerts relating to online child exploitation in the fiscal year 2023-24.
For those looking for more resources, the ACCCE promotes ThinkUKnow, an initiative offering heaps of presentations, videos, and interactive learning tools to help parents, educators, and young people stay safe online. Parents are recommended to supervise online activities, engage in frequent conversations about online safety, and understand privacy settings on various platforms.
“Electronic communication is constantly changing and it can be difficult for parents and carers to keep up,” Commander Schneider said.
“That’s why having a healthy dialogue with your children is the best defence you can have.
“Remember, if you suspect a child has been the victim of online child sexual exploitation, please don’t hesitate to report it to the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now, or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.”
Glossary of emojis, emoticons and acronyms
NOTE: This guide is meant to provide a broad overview because slang, acronyms, emojis and emoticons can have multiple meanings and be used in many different ways.
| Image | Icon short name | Sexting Inference |
|---|---|---|
 | Eggplant | Penis |
 | Peach | Buttocks |
 | Taco | Vagina |
 | Cat | Vagina |
  | Point + Okay | Intercourse |
 | Sweat | Orgasm |
 | Horned Devil | I’m Horny |
 | Bowl with spoon | Send nudes |
 | Cancer | 69 |
 | Corn | Porn |
 | Pizza | Cheese Pizza (CP – Child Porn) |
| Text | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Catch a case | Willingness to be arrested and charged for something, often used in relation to sexual desire for someone who is much younger/underage |
| CD9 or Code 9 | Parents are around |
| DNI | Do not interact, especially as a warning of explicit/sexual content for under 18s |
| DM;HS | Doesn’t matter; had sex |
| DPW | D*** pictures welcome |
| Down in the DM | Using private messages (DM=Direct Message) on social media to ask for nude photos and/or to filter through people to find a sexual encounter |
| GNRN | Get Naked Right Now |
| GNOC | Get Naked On Camera |
| LMIRL | Let’s meet in real life |
| LMP | Like my pic |
| NIFOC | Naked in front of computer |
| NP4NP | Naked Pic For Naked Pic |
| P911 | Parent Alert |
| PIR | Parent in room |
| POS | Parent Over Shoulder |
| POV | Point of view, and often indicates a video is supposed to be filmed as if you’re seeing it through someone else’s eyes |
| Rule 34 | Any topic can be made into pornographic content |
| Snacc/Snack | A person you find attractive |
| Sneaky Link | Seeing someone for sex but you want to keep the relationship quiet |
| Smash | To have casual sex |
| TDTM | Talk dirty to me |
| 1174 | Nude club |
| 143 | I love you |
| 9 | Parent watching |
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