Decoding emojis: a guide for teachers and parents

Understanding emoji use and online safety 

Emojis are everywhere - from messaging apps to social media, they’re a big part of how we communicate. While most emoji use is harmless, some symbols are repurposed in online communities to portray serious issues. 

For educators and parents, decoding these hidden meanings is vital. It helps start open conversations, raise flags early, and ultimately keep young people safe. Read more about social media safety.

This guide outlines how emojis are used in different online contexts. While not exhaustive, it highlights why it’s important to stay informed - because when meanings become known, communities often change the code.

How emoji meanings evolve and hide in plain sight 

Social media users often turn to “algospeak” - coded language designed to bypass content moderation. This can involve emojis in unusual sequences or replacing common words with altered versions. 

For example: 

• 💊🛁☠️⚰️ might imply suicidal thoughts involving medication. 
• Terms like “unalive” (suicide), “sewer slide” (suicide), “corn” (porn), “seggs” (sex), and emoji pairings like 🌽 or 🍑🍆💦 carry double meanings. 

These tactics make it harder to spot harmful content. That’s why awareness is essential for educators, carers, and safeguarding teams. 

What is the “manosphere” and incel culture? 

The "manosphere" refers to online communities promoting misogyny and toxic masculinity. “Incel” (involuntary celibate) is a term often used within these spaces. These groups can lead young people - mainly boys and young men - towards harmful ideologies. 

Following Netflix’s Adolescence, awareness in these topics has grown. The series powerfully highlights how even a string of emojis can carry serious weight in real-world events. 

Hidden meanings: emoji categories and examples

Emojis used in toxic masculinity and incel communities 

• 💊 Red Pill: Symbol for “waking up” to anti-feminist ideologies. 
• 💥 Exploding Head: Represents a radical mindset shift. 
• 💯 100: Often linked to skewed gender dynamics theories. It represents the belief in the ‘manosphere’ that 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men. 
• 🫘 Kidney Bean: A subtle self-identifier for incel users. 

Emojis hinting at self-harm or mental health struggles 

• 💉 Syringe / 🔪 Knife: Commonly used to signal self-harm. 
• 😢 Crying Face / 🖤 Black Heart: Indicates depression or emotional pain. 
• 🧷 Safety Pin / ⛓️ Chains: Symbolic of tools or feelings of entrapment. 

Drug-related emojis 

• 🌿 Leaf 🍁 Maple Leaf 🌱 Plant 🍃 Leaves Blowing: Represent cannabis use. 
• ❄️ Snow 💎 Diamond 🎱 8 Ball: Refer to cocaine. 
• 🍄 Mushroom: Symbol for hallucinogenic mushrooms. 
• ❤️ Red Heart⚡ Lightning ❌ Red Cross 🍬 Candy: Refer to ecstasy or MDMA. 

Sexual connotations 

• 🍆Eggplant / 🍑 Peach: Represent male and female genitalia. 
• 💦 Water Droplets / 🍒 Cherries / 🌮 Taco: Sexual arousal, breasts, or suggestive meanings. 
• 🔥Fire: Often used to indicate attraction. 
• 🌽Corn: Often represents porn. 

Extremist or dangerous symbols 

• ⚡ Lightning: Co-opted by far-right groups. 
• ☠️ Skull / 🕷️ Spider / 🧿 Nazar Amulet: Used to suggest danger, surveillance, or extremist ties. 
• 🕋 Kaaba: Sometimes misused to represent radicalised views. 

What teachers and parents can do 

Stay informed 

Keep up to date with how language and emoji use evolves, especially slang and coded speech. 

Keep communication open 

Create safe spaces for conversations. Let children know they can share without judgement. Read more about inclusive classroom culture.

Context is key 

A single emoji doesn’t always mean trouble. Look for patterns or context before jumping to conclusions. 

Teach digital literacy 

Help children learn to question what they see online and recognise manipulation. 

Promote positive role models 

Highlight healthy, respectful behaviour. Share media or figures that encourage inclusivity. 

FAQs 

What can UK teachers do? 

• Use tools like NSPCC's Online Safety Advice or CEOP's Thinkuknow to stay updated. 
• Share insights with PSHE, SLT and safeguarding leads. 
• Include digital literacy and emoji awareness in lessons or school campaigns. 

Can emojis signal dangerous behaviour? 
Yes. Emojis can be part of a hidden language used within harmful online communities. 

How should I bring this up with my child? 
Be curious, not confrontational. Ask questions, listen carefully, and explain why you’re concerned.