Netflix’s show Adolescence has sparked conversations about teen mental health and online behavior. Many parents are now wondering how to understand their child’s digital world. A good place to start? Emojis.
Emojis are not just fun images. Sometimes, they have hidden meanings. While most teens use emojis harmlessly, some symbols are used by toxic online groups. Knowing these meanings can help parents stay informed and support their kids.
Emojis with Hidden Meanings
Here are some emojis that might mean something different than you think:
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🔴 Red Pill: Used in toxic groups to claim someone has “seen the truth” about society, often with harmful, sexist views.
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🔵 Blue Pill: Represents people who are “blind to the truth” and seen as accepting common beliefs regarding gender and relationships.
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💥 Dynamite Emoji: Symbolizes someone is a radicalised incel.
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🫘 Kidney Bean: Used in toxic spaces to mock or insult women.
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💯 100 Emoji: Tied to the “80/20 rule,” which is a belief that most women are only interested in a small percentage of men.
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🕳️ Black Hole: Represents feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or depression.
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🌪️ Tornado: Used to express emotional distress.
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🐸 Frog Emoji: Sometimes used in harmful meme culture, although it can be innocent in other contexts.
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🦅 Eagle: Occasionally used by far-right nationalist groups.
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💀 Skull: While often meaning “I’m dead from laughing,” it can also be used to express dark thoughts.
What Different Heart Emojis Mean
Heart emojis can also carry different meanings:
Other Emojis with Hidden Meanings
Former deputy head teacher and now a founder of For Working Parents, Amit Kalley created a Periodic Table of Sinister Emojis to raise awareness, as he saw firsthand how emojis were used to discuss topics tied to harmful online movements.
This graphic has now gone viral, receiving over 500 requests from teachers, HR professionals, and parents worldwide.
Recognizing the Signs of Online Harm
While emojis can be a fun way to express emotions, they can also be a signal of deeper concerns. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is experiencing online harm:
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Changes in Behavior: Sudden mood swings, withdrawal from family activities, or increased secrecy around their devices.
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Sleep Issues: Difficulty sleeping or staying up late to be online.
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Declining School Performance: Falling grades or a lack of interest in school.
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Emotional Outbursts: Unexpected anger or frustration, especially after using their phone or computer.
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Isolation: Avoiding friends and social gathering.
How Parents Can Start the Conversation
If you notice your teen using emojis in a way that seems unusual or you’re just curious, here are some ways to start a conversation:
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Stay Curious: Begin with a calm question like, “I heard that emojis can sometimes have different meanings. What do you think about that?” This shows you’re open to learning.
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Create a Safe Space: Let them know they won’t get in trouble for being honest. Teens are more likely to open up if they feel safe.
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Learn Together: Ask your child to explain how they and their friends use emojis. It’s a good way to understand their digital world.
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Promote Critical Thinking: Encourage them to think about why people use emojis in specific ways. Ask, “What do you think someone means when they use that emoji?”
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Build Trust, Not Fear: Avoid spying or reading their messages without permission. Instead, maintain regular conversations about their online activity.
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Discuss Online Influence: Talk about how certain online groups might use emojis to spread harmful messages. Help your teen recognize manipulation tactics.
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Boost Real-World Confidence: Encourage hobbies, social activities, and friendships offline. Building self-esteem in real life can reduce the desire for validation online.
By understanding the digital language of emojis and encouraging honest conversations, parents can help their teens navigate the online world safely. Stay curious, stay connected, and keep talking — your support makes all the difference.
