Between 2019 and 2020, there was a 94% increase in adolescent overdose. Social media has amplified the substance abuse epidemic in devastating ways. In fact, commonplace icons have become drug emojis, and are used to solicit drug purchases in ways parental filters may not catch.
Today, emojis are considered the fastest-growing global language. [5] Kids have become fluent in emojis, using these symbols in combinations to form entire sentences. When we are aware of the alternate meanings these emojis signify, we can more easily protect our children.
Drug emoji meanings
Emojis can have several possible meanings in this emerging language, and a combination of emojis can mean something else entirely. Context should be taken into account as well.
As an example, text messaging a maple leaf might be referencing Canada, or could be emoji drug slang for an illicit drug.
