Police publish ‘secret world of emojis’ to alert parents to icons referring to ‘drugs and sex’ 

Police have released guidance on what emojis could really mean when used by children, including “eyes” for being a drug dealer and a fish for using cocaine.

The ‘secret world of emojis’ shows the darker side of what the colorful symbols are used for, often code for drugs and sex.

The list of examples includes the use of a strawberry, a dog, cherries, cake, ice cream, or leaves to indicate cannabis.

An eggplant or a peach can represent sex and an alien or a mask can signify MDMA.

Sussex Police have released a guide ‘The ‘Secret World of Emojis’ which shows the darker side of what the colorful symbols are used for, often code for drugs and sex.

Eggplant, peach and berries are just some of the emojis that can refer to sex

A puffer fish, gasoline pump, or snowflake can represent cocaine use, while a fist or rocket can indicate how powerful the substances are.

Emojis of a pair of eyes or a power cord can mean someone is a drug dealer, while a horse can mean ketamine and a ‘NOS’ balloon, which refers to nitrous oxide sold in canisters.

Surrey Police have released the guidance as part of a campaign to make parents more “emoji-aware”.

Det Ch Insp Kate Hyder said: “We really want parents and guardians to feel safe to have a conversation with their children about this, if and when they need to.”

Emojis, small icons that convey emotion, have become a popular way of communicating across all ages.

But Surrey police say there is a “secret world of emojis”, with “more troubling meanings”.

A puffer fish, gasoline pump, or snowflake can represent cocaine use, while a fist or rocket can indicate how powerful the substances are.

The force said it had spent the last two weeks campaigning to raise awareness as “some young people may use [emojis] to refer to drugs and sexual behavior’.

Det Ch Insp Hyder added: ‘Our focus on this does not stop with the end of this initial campaign.

“We are also aware that emojis and their alternate meanings are something that will constantly change, so our work and research will continue.”

And a statement of strength read: ‘This is not a campaign that starts and ends within this two-week window.

“Instead, it’s about encouraging parents and guardians to have conversations with their children at a time that works for everyone involved.

‘What is vital in these discussions is trust.

“We are very aware that checking phones could break this trust between a parent and their child, and therefore we do not suggest that parents do this.”

“Instead, we want people to know what these emojis mean, should they see them.”

Police added that although emojis can have serious meanings, use alone does not necessarily mean a child is involved in drugs.

Instead, this can be seen as part of a bigger picture of a change in your behavior, such as a change in mood.