Gardai have warned parents of the secret codes their children could be using online to communicate with others.
In an age of technology, it is almost impossible to keep children away from accessing the internet, so parents are advised to monitor their children's activity online.
In a statement, a garda spokesperson said: "With so many young people/children using the internet nowadays, it is so important that parents are aware of the types of secret codes that they could be using and receiving and the types of dangers they may face while online (sexual predators, cyberbullying etc.)”
These codes include:
ASL – Age, sex, location
F2F- Face to face
MIRL – Meet in real life
TDTM – Talk dirty to me
KPC – Keep parents clueless
SUGARPIC – Suggestive/Erotic Photo
KYS – Kill yourself
WTTP – Want to trade pictures
CD9 or Code9 – Parents are around
IWSN – I want sex right now
PAW – Parents are watching
LM46 – Let’s meet for sex
SOS – Someone over shoulder
53X – Sex
ADR – Address
BOL – Be on later
FWB – Friends with benefits
FYEO – For your eyes only
GYPO – Get your pants off
HAK – Hugs and kisses
ILU – I love you
J4F – Just for fun
KFY – Kiss for you
KOTL – Kiss on the lips
Gardai have also asked that parents make use of parental controls on their children devices to reduce the likelihood of them encountering inappropriate content while online.
In a statement, they said: "It is so important that we are aware of and in control of what our children have access to while they are online.
"Parental controls can be useful support to help reduce the chances of your child encountering inappropriate content online.”
Parents are advised to engage in open communication with their children to ensure that they would be comfortable seeking help if they encounter inappropriate behaviour online.
Setting rules about internet access can also help parents monitor their child's online activity and make sure they are safe online.
Parents should warn children about the dangers of meeting someone they have met online in person and should discuss the importance of not sharing personal information on the internet.
For more information visit webwise.ie.
