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Teens and Sneaky Texting Codes: A Real Challenge for Parents

Like any parent, you have probably noticed that kids these days have their own texting code, which can be extremely confusing to older generations. These codes appear like a bunch of letters that don’t make sense. But don’t ignore them. Knowing what they mean can help you understand your teens and spot any red flags that may require your intervention.

Here are some of the most common texting codes you might see teens using and what they mean:

  • LOL – Laugh out loud
  • GR8 – Great
  • TYVM – Thank you very much
  • INMHO – In my humble opinion
  • J/K – Just kidding
  • BRB – Be right back
  • L8R – Later
  • NP – No problem
  • WYD – What you doing?

Dangerous texting codes used by teens

Dangerous texting codes used by teens

Texting code may seem innocent but child safety experts warn that some codes have deeper—and sometimes more dangerous meanings. It’s important for you as a parent to understand what these codes mean so you can determine if your teen’s safety is at risk and you can take appropriate action. Here are some ‘red flag’ codes to watch out for:

  • 420 – A reference to marijuana
  • ILY – I love you
  • SH – Sh*t happens
  • TDTM – Talk dirty to me
  • WUF – Where you from?
  • SUFF – Shut up f*ck face
  • IRL – In real life
  • Dabbing – May refer to cannabis in concentrated doses or a dance craze
  • Hulk – A 2mg generic green benzodiazepine bar
  • YEET – To throw something or a strong word for ‘yes’
  • WTF – What the f*ck?
  • WAP – Wet ass p*ssy
  • Trash – Unacceptable, terrible
  • Thirsty – Desperate for attention, often sexual attention
  • TF – The f*ck
  • Thicc – Having a curvy, attractive body
  • Thot – Often used in place of ‘slut’, originating from an acronym that stands for ‘that ho over there’.
  • Tea – Gossip or any interesting news shared between friends
  • TBH – To be honest
  • STFU – Shut the f*ck up

Decoding to protect your teens

Suicide is among the major reasons why young adults aged 15 to 35 die, according to a recent poll by the National Institute of Mental Health. While technological advancements have been helpful in improving our lives, these have also contributed to the rise in the number of suicide cases among teens.

Most parents are used to telling their children to look both ways when crossing the road, don’t talk to strangers, and other advice that means well. But most parents don’t know how to protect their kids against digital threats.

Each month, kids send around 10 million text messages, including email, SMS, and others on various digital media platforms. These messages are likely to contain texting code that only they can understand. It is up to parents to learn what they are and keep up with this language, so they can determine when their child may be in danger and step in as necessary.

Monitor your child’s messages

Monitor your child’s messages - Texting code

Wondering what your kids are saying through the texting code? Worried about their safety?

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Our app was made by parents for parents to provide a simpler, better, and effective way to keep kids and teens safe online or when you are away from them. This app was also designed in collaboration with law enforcement professionals, digital media experts, and child psychologists to ensure a child-friendly solution in creating a protective, supervised, and safe digital environment for kids and teens. Try it today.