(WGBA) -- Sometimes it feels like kids speak a different language, especially when they are sending messages on their cell phones.
Children push boundaries. This is nothing new.
However, the constant connectivity in today's world is giving kids opportunity to get into mischief that could land them into dangerous situations.
Emojicons, gifs and texting acronyms can be confusing for parents.
"I don't really see the point in shortening words that are already short enough," said Elizabeth Gretzon, a Green Bay mother.
Many parents know some of the innocent ones:
- NVM - never mind
- JK - just kidding
- LOL - laugh out loud
There is an entire group of texting codes that many parents admit they've never heard of.
"Every once in awhile someone will send me one and I'll have to send the ole 'what's that mean' text," said Scott Jewitt.
Kids are using texting codes to escape a parent's watchful eye. An entire category of acronyms has been created by kids to alert a friend that a parent is present. It instructs them to keep incriminating content on the "down low."
- PIR - parent in room
- P911 - parent alert
- PAL - parents are listening
- POS - parent over shoulder
- 99 - parent gone
- KPC - keeping parents clueless
"I think that's scary to be honest," said Gretzon.
According to experts, teens are choosing patterns of letters and numbers to communicate sexual behaviors.
- IWSN - I want sex now
- CU46 - see you for sex
- LH6 - lets have sex
- TDTM - talk dirty to me
- 8 - oral sex
- 9 - sex
- GYPO - get your pants off
- GNOC - get naked on camera
- WTTP - want to trade pictures?
- SUGARPIC - suggestive or erotic picture
- PRON - porn
Codes like this are not only disturbing to parents, but can get your child in trouble with the law. Officers said nothing is ever truly deleted from your phone.
"If you would do something illegal, law enforcement is able to retrieve that information and investigate that crime," said Lieutenant Jim Valley with the Brown County Sheriff's Department.
There's a group of codes devoted to disguising drug and alcohol activity.
- DOC - drug of choice
- CID - acid (the drug)
- 420 - marijuana
- 1174' - party meeting place
- Broken - hung over from alcohol
What can parents do?
"As parents, we have to be on the same base as our kids," said Lieutenant Valley.
Officers said it's important to know the technology your children are using. Learn their apps and know their usernames and passwords.
"If they're not willing to give that information, that's a red flag that we have a problem," said Lieutenant Valley.
Officers said there are other red flags to look out for.
- Personality changes
- Isolation in bedrooms
- Spending late hours on devices
The bottom line is as parents trust your gut. If something feels wrong it probably is.
Officers said it is a good idea for parents to study these texting codes.
Here is a list of other codes we found.
- (L)MIRL - let's meet in real life
- TWD - texting while driving
- KMS - kill myself
- HMU - hit me up
- TBR - to be rude
- OOMF - one of my followers
- BMS - broke my scale
- OOTD - outfit of the day
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