This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
As children increasingly interact online, parents face a daunting task: balancing trust and concern for their child's safety.
The online world is constantly evolving, making it challenging for parents to stay alert to the latest trends and mediums used by their children.
However, a recent initiative by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) aims to provide parents with a valuable resource to help them navigate this complex issue.
On Facebook, the PSNI has posted an American-style graphic sexting dictionary, which includes a list of abbreviations used in online communication.
The dictionary is a sometimes uncomfortable glimpse into the world of online talk, featuring salacious come-ons and disturbing orders to 'kill yourself.'
While the list is intended to help parents understand their children's cryptic messages, it has been pointed out that some of the codes may not be current.
A spokesman for the Newry and Mourne PSNI clarified that the resource was an American one and that some of the codes may not be in use in Northern Ireland.
He emphasized the importance of prevention and encouraged parents to speak to their children about their online activity, respect age limits on social media platforms, and set appropriate boundaries.
For parents who want to stay up-to-date, Belfast Live has published an updated version of the most common abbreviations, including 'I love you' (143), 'Any day now' (ADN), and 'Let's meet in real life' (LMIRL).
