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Topics: News, Parenting, Technology, Phones, Australia
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: News, Parenting, Technology, Phones, Australia
Authorities have updated the list of emoji’s they believe parents should be aware of in order to better protect their children.
Technology has continued to advance over the past few decades, so more and more people are using computers and smart phones to communicate.
Children using these pieces of technology is more prevalent than ever and might use words or even make up words that baffle adults, but authorities in Australia have also warned that as well as new words and terms, parents need to be aware of the use of emojis.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has recently updated its official lists of emoji’s that parents should be aware of.
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The overall idea is that by understanding how their child may be communicating, parents will know how to act to protect them if they become concerned.
AFP Commander of Human Exploitation, Helen Schneider said: “Some have double meanings that may seem trivial yet can be quite alarming.”
She added that the devil emoji might be interpreted as calling someone evil, however, according to Schneider, ‘The devil face could be a sign your child is engaging in sexual activity online’.
She also said: “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 emojis that can take on a second meaning includes bowl with a spoon meaning send nudes, a Taco meaning a vagina as well as the sweat emoji meaning orgasm.
As well as this, the AFP has also updated the list of most alarming codes and their translations.
They also warned that sexual offenders may be aware of these codes and use it to communicate with children or with one another.
Schneider added: “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.”
Despite the updates, the authorities also wanted to assure parents that there is no need to panic but instead good to be prepared and well informed.