Tweens and teens using coded language to subvert adults is nothing new. Experts say slang has likely existed for as long as human language. But the advent of the internet and the rise of social media has turbo-charged the cycle.
With the BrightCanary Keyboard, you can see everything your child types online. But when they use coded or indirect language, it can be hard to know when they’re searching for things you’d rather they didn’t. In this article, we’ll look at terms that could mean your child is looking up inappropriate content.
Why do kids use coded or indirect search terms?
There’s no one reason why kids use coded language when they search online. It could signal they’re up to trouble but could just as easily be innocent.
Here are a few reasons your child might be using indirect search terms:
To avoid detection. Some tweens and teens make it their mission to get around school filters or the watchful eye of their parents. They’ll use slang they think the adults in their life haven’t caught up with yet.
It’s just how they talk. If slang your kid picked up from friends or online has made its way into their everyday communication, using it to search online may simply be automatic.
Curiosity. Kids who don’t feel comfortable asking their peers what something means might turn to Google to keep up.
Experimentation. Maybe your kid isn’t sure they want to use particular slang in their communication yet, so they’re trying it out to see if it fits.
What search terms mean my child is looking for inappropriate content?
Here’s some terms teens might type into Reddit or Google incognito mode.
Spicy content: This refers to content that’s sexually explicit, risqué, or suggestive. The level of spiciness is often represented by the hot pepper 🌶️ emoji.
NSFW: Short for Not Suitable for Work, this term is used for content that isn’t appropriate for viewing in a public setting.
Rule 34: This “rule of the internet” claims that some form of pornography exists related to every possible topic. It often refers to fan art that takes non-erotic subjects and depicts them engaging in sexual activity.
Dating sim: A subgenre of video games where players simulate romantic relationships through virtual characters. The level of sexual content varies in dating sims, but some can get pretty explicit.
Swatting: This refers to a prank or malicious act whereby a person makes a false report to law enforcement with the goal of getting a response from a SWAT team or similar tactical unit.
Gas/Hulk/Snow: These are coded ways to refer to drugs. (Marijuana, benzos, and cocaine, respectively.)
Final Yeet: This term refers to the act of cutting oneself with the intent of ending one’s life.
For a comprehensive list of teen slang parents need to know, check out these BrightCanary guides:
What should I do if my child looks up troublesome search terms?
If you spot one of these terms in your child’s search history or with the BrightCanary Keyboard, here are some tips on how to respond:
Stay calm. Even if you’re so not calm, keep it cool on the outside and avoid turning it into a confrontation. You want your child to know you’re on their team, and your goal is to help them, not attack them.
Ask open-ended questions. Avoid accusations, and instead focus on finding out what’s behind their actions. Use open-ended questions like “Can you tell me more about what this means?” or “What led you to search for this?”
Consider the context. If it was just a one-time thing, that speaks more to curiosity. But if it’s part of a pattern, that’s more likely to indicate a problem.
Offer guidance and support, not punishment. Punishing your child for what they search online is likely to create an antagonistic situation. What you want is cooperation. Instead, guide and support them to make better choices going forward.
Use a monitoring tool.BrightCanary not only scans your child’s internet activity and alerts you when there’s a red flag, but it also provides you with a real-time transcript of their searches so you can step in when needed.
Final word
Your child’s internet searches are a window into their world, but tweens and teens often use slang and other coded language to fly under the radar of school filters and adult eyes. It’s important to familiarize yourself with terms that could signal an interest in inappropriate or harmful material so you can intervene and support your child.
BrightCanary helps you monitor your child’s internet searches, providing you with real-time information so you can help keep them safe. Download today to get started for free.
