A guide to decoding the secret language used by teens on social media has been uploaded online by the United Kingdom government to equip parents in guiding their children in properly using the internet.
The dictionary is posted on Parent Info, a website on teen's social media language and behavior. It is a project of The Parent Zone and Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.
The initiative is the solution to the dilemma of the youth's risqué online behavior. While some codes used by teens in online messaging apps are harmless such as "IRL" for "in real life," many hide sexual content such as "GNOC" for "get naked on camera" and "420" for "cannabis."
The new tool also conceived to help parents as they safeguard their children from pedophiles who mask their true identity behind the computer screen and message the children "LMIRL' or "let's meet in real life."
UK Department for Education reported that one in five parents feel unequipped in keeping their children safe online. A quarter of girls between nine to 16 years old admitted that they have been bothered by a stranger online, The Telegraph reported.
"As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to know your child is safe and that's why this new, online service is so important. I hope all schools take advantage of this new resource, which addresses fundamental issues like cyberbullying and body confidence, so that they can help protect their children in this digital age," said Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.
According to Tracey Oakden, head of department at Matthew Arnold School in Oxford, the rapid growth and frequent usage of social media have significantly changed the pressures and influences on young people. Adults cannot always catch up with the technology.