Experts Reveal Hidden Meanings In Emojis Kids Are Using
Parents, you need to see this...
We send emojis without a second thought every day—little icons that seem harmless and fun. But beneath their colorful surfaces, some carry meanings most adults don’t recognize.
Experts and law enforcement warn that many of these tiny icons carry hidden meanings, serving as a secret code for everything from extremist beliefs and drug deals to sexual content. What looks like innocent banter between friends can sometimes mask far more concerning messages.
A recent Netflix drama, Adolescence, highlights how teenagers can use ordinary emojis to share disturbing ideas, from extremist beliefs to drug deals and explicit sexual content. Adolescence follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller (played by Owen Cooper), who ends up arrested for murder after getting caught up in online misogynistic communities known as the “manosphere.”
In these groups, simple emojis have become coded signals. For instance, the red pill emoji refers to a belief that you’ve “seen the truth” about gender dynamics—a concept borrowed from the movie The Matrix. Dr. Robert Lawson, a sociolinguistics expert at Birmingham City University, explains that men who claim to be “red-pilled” believe they understand women’s behavior in a supposedly “real” way.
In the show, a stick of dynamite emoji means an “exploding red pill,” signaling a full commitment to incel ideology. The ? emoji represents the “80-20 rule,” the idea that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men.
A fictional teen character even says you must “trick women because you’ll never get them in a normal way.” Kidney beans, coffee cups, and clown faces also serve as shorthand for self-identifying as an incel.
Andrew Tate and Other Male Influencers Promote the “Manosphere” Ideology.
The manosphere is a loose collection of male influencers and online communities that promote misogynistic, sexist ideas. One of its most notorious figures is Andrew Tate—a former kickboxer turned internet personality who’s been accused of rape and human trafficking. Tate and others in the movement use social media to spread harmful messages about women, and their followers signal allegiance through emojis like the red pill, dynamite, and kidney beans.
Getty ImagesEmojis Used to Discuss Drugs
Police forces in the U.K. and Australia report that emojis are often used to buy, sell, or discuss illegal drugs. A horse emoji can refer to ketamine (a veterinary tranquilizer), while skulls, alien faces, or demon masks hint at MDMA. Cocaine might appear as a snowflake, snowman, or blowfish. Nitrous oxide (“NOS”) shows up as balloons, and various pills, syringes, or clouds can indicate different substances. Even a plug emoji or the eight-ball emoji can signal a drug dealer connection.
Getty ImagesSecret Meanings in Colored Hearts
What looks like innocent heart emojis can actually communicate relationship status or sexual interest. In Adolescence, a teen character lays it out plainly:
“Red [heart emoji] means love, purple means horny, yellow means ‘I’m interested, are you interested?’, pink means ‘I’m interested but not in sex,’ orange means ‘you’re going to be fine.’”
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Understanding Emoji Communication
Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist and author, emphasizes that emojis can serve as both a creative outlet and a communication tool for kids. While they may appear innocent, many emojis carry nuanced meanings that can be misunderstood by adults.
For instance, a simple smiley face might signify happiness, but in certain contexts, it could also imply sarcasm or irony. Dr. Levine suggests that parents engage in open conversations with their children about the emojis they use, asking questions to decode their meanings.
This dialogue not only fosters understanding but also builds trust, allowing children to express their feelings more openly.
Experts in digital communication warn that emojis can sometimes mask serious issues. Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, stresses the importance of monitoring children's online interactions, including emoji use, to better understand their emotional states.
He recommends that parents familiarize themselves with trending emojis among younger generations, as this knowledge can act as a protective measure. By staying informed about the symbols their kids are using, parents can more effectively address potential issues, whether they relate to peer pressure or harmful behaviors.
Moreover, encouraging kids to articulate their feelings verbally rather than relying solely on emojis can strengthen their communication skills.
Sexting Signals
Many emojis carry sexual connotations. Eggplants and peaches are obvious stand-ins for male and female body parts, and water droplets often imply sexual fluids. Less obvious symbols include the woozy face (drunkenness or arousal), overheating red face (“hot” in a sexual sense), eyes (requesting nude images), and tongues (oral sex).
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Helen Schneider, Commander of Human Exploitation at the Australian Federal Police, says most emoji use among young people is harmless—but double meanings can signal risk. She warns that a devil-face emoji “could be a sign that your child is engaging in sexual activity online.” Her advice? Talk openly about emoji meanings rather than react with anger or punishment.
Technical safeguards are available, too. Both iPhone Screen Time and Google Family Link let parents block specific apps or set usage limits. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization recommends limiting screen time for young children to no more than 60 minutes per day.
Addressing hidden emoji meanings requires a proactive, practical approach rather than fear. When you spot an unfamiliar or suspicious emoji in your child’s messages, ask neutrally: “I saw this emoji—what does it mean?” This calm inquiry encourages honesty and reduces defensiveness.
Regular check-ins about online content build trust and keep you informed about evolving slang. To prepare, review reputable online resources that decode emoji meanings so you can ask informed questions and identify warning signs early.
Consistent, respectful communication paired with a willingness to learn alongside your child is the most effective way to spot risky behavior and guide safer online choices.
Psychological Framework & Solutions
In conclusion, understanding the hidden meanings behind emojis is essential for parents navigating the digital landscape their children inhabit. Engaging in open dialogues fosters both trust and clarity in communication.
As Dr. Madeline Levine and Dr. Andrew Weil highlight, taking the time to decode these symbols can unveil underlying emotions and issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. By doing so, parents not only protect their children but also empower them to express themselves more authentically in a world increasingly dominated by digital communication.
