Police have issued a warning to parents after it was found that an innocently looking horse emoji is secretly being used to represent something else.
An emoji that would appear innocent on the phone of a child might be a red flag, and parents are being encouraged to be vigilant and take measures if they see it.
The horse emoji is said to have been linked to illegal use on social media and messaging platforms.
It is thought to act as a coded expression to online gamers, most of whom exploit gullible and vulnerable users.
Predators and criminal gangs also keep evolving the means of communication, using emojis and coded messages in a bid to remain hidden.
This particular symbol has been found to be used in messages where children are being lured into risky behaviors without them having a complete appreciation of the degree of risk.
Lawmakers observe that predators and offenders also misuse social media sites and messaging apps in order to groom and deceive kids.
The ability of emojis as coded messages is used to effortlessly talk in coded terms without eliciting the parents’ or the law enforcement agents’ attention.
Here’s why horse emoji is a problem:
Secret Meaning: The emoji was interpreted to represent unlawful actions that can jeopardize the kids.
Targeting Youth: The symbol can be used by predators online to target youth and young adults and lead them into risky activities.
Hard to Identify: Since it is just an emoji, parents may not understand its meaning; thus, criminals will find it easy to continue as normal without anyone realizing.
Here is how to protect your child:
Check Their Messages: Look for unusual symbols, emojis, or cryptic messages in their texts and social media.
Talk to Your Child: Discuss online security and the dangers of conversing with strangers in an open manner.
Watch Apps & Social Media: Keep an eye on the apps your child is using and check for hidden messages or suspicious behavior.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report anything out of the ordinary to the police or child protection services instantly.
Police further state that predators are constantly on the move and use fresh methods to reach out to children without the parents’ knowledge.
The usage of the horse emoji is another instance where innocent signs are being repurposed to indicate something more nefarious might be involved.
Parents need to be vigilant and actively defend their children from harm on the Internet. Should you spot a horse emoji or any other unusual messages popping up on your child’s phone, step in and call for an explanation immediately.
Be aware, stay safe, and don’t ignore red flags.
