Messaging apps and social media are primary ways for kids to communicate, but many don’t realize the risks that come with them. From online predators to extremist ideologies, children are more vulnerable than ever.
Now, law enforcement has revealed that certain emojis are being used as coded messages among young people, with one raising serious concerns—the horse emoji 🐴.
While most parents might assume their child is talking about ponies, the horse emoji is actually being used as a reference to ketamine, a powerful tranquilizer drug. Known as “Special K,” ketamine is increasingly being abused by teens and young adults for its hallucinogenic effects.
This warning comes as authorities across the U.S. crack down on hidden drug references in online conversations. Police are urging parents to stay aware of these secret codes and monitor their children’s digital activity.
Other Emojis Parents Should Watch For
The horse emoji isn’t the only one with a hidden meaning. Law enforcement has identified several emojis commonly used to reference drugs, including:
Alien, skull, or demon mask – MDMA (Ecstasy or “Molly”)
Snowflake or snowman – Cocaine
Maple leaf, tree, or four-leaf clover – Marijuana
Cake, ice cream, or certain fruits (grapes, lemons, cherries) – Edibles or cannabis products
But the list doesn’t stop there. The popular Netflix series Adolescence recently shed light on how extremist online communities use emojis as secret symbols to spread harmful ideologies.
Netflix’s Adolescence and the Hidden World of Online Radicalization
The hit Netflix drama Adolescence has brought attention to the growing influence of misogynistic online groups that target young boys. The show follows a 13-year-old who gets drawn into radical content, ultimately leading to a tragic act of violence.
In the series, certain emojis serve as secret symbols for incel culture, including:
Dynamite emoji 💣 – Represents an “exploding red pill,” a concept in incel communities
100 emoji 💯 – Refers to the “80/20 rule,” the belief that 20% of men attract 80% of women
Kidney bean emoji 🫘 – A slang term for an incel
Experts warn that the “manosphere”—a network of toxic online spaces promoting extreme misogyny—is pulling in young boys at an alarming rate. Social media platforms have made these messages easier to spread, making parental awareness more important than ever.
Dr. Robert Lawson, a sociolinguistics expert at Birmingham City University, explained how the pill emoji 💊 has become a key symbol in these groups.
“The cyberpunk blockbuster The Matrix is the source of a key symbol in the manosphere – the red pill,” he said.
Within these circles, being “red-pilled” means believing one has awakened to the so-called truth about women’s behavior and dating dynamics.
What Parents Can Do
As online communication evolves, so do the hidden meanings behind digital symbols. While emojis may seem harmless, they can sometimes be used as coded messages for dangerous activities.
Here’s how parents can stay informed:
Stay updated – Keep up with the latest online slang and emoji meanings.
Have open conversations – Talk to your kids about online dangers, including radicalization and drug use.
Monitor digital activity – Keep an eye on your child’s social media interactions while respecting their privacy.
Use parental controls – Many apps offer built-in tools to filter harmful content.
The internet is a powerful tool, but it also comes with risks. Staying proactive and informed is the best way to keep kids safe in a constantly changing digital world.
Share this article to help other parents stay aware!
