As the world marks World Emoji Day on 17 July, safeguarding professionals are urging parents, carers and educators to look beyond the colourful symbols and consider the hidden meanings that may lie beneath.
While emojis are often used to express humour, emotion or creativity, they can also form part of a fast-evolving digital language among children and young people—one that adults may not fully understand.
“A rapidly evolving hidden language is emerging among children and young people that adults may remain completely unaware of,” said Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training. “This trend presents significant safeguarding risks, making it crucial for anyone who works with or cares for young people to understand the potential hidden meanings behind these messages.”
“What may appear to be harmless, playful emojis on a child’s phone could, in reality, be concealing racist remarks, drug-related discussions, sexual propositions, or instances of cyber bullying. The use of double meanings also allows for plausible deniability when questioned, further complicating the issue.”
The issue has gained wider attention following the release of Netflix’s hit drama Adolescence, which explores how emojis and slang are used to mask harmful behaviour among teens.
Dr Anderson, whose team at High Speed Training conducted the research, added:
“Parents and teachers can help protect children online by staying informed, fostering open communication, and integrating online safety into everyday learning. Recognising hidden meanings in symbols and slang can help to identify potential risks, but it is equally important to remember that not all digital interactions carry a deeper message. By keeping the conversation ongoing and empowering children to seek support we can ensure young people are being appropriately safeguarded.”
For further guidance, High Speed Training has published a detailed emoji and texting abbreviation guide for parents and educators, available via their online safeguarding hub.
