Mobile phone, or mobile death trap?

LOL, OMG, WTFBBQ! It may seem like harmless banter between friends, but these common acronyms found on the phones of teenagers have a much more sinister meaning. More than 90% of parents are completely unaware of what their children are saying online, or who they are talking to. This exclusive guide by WPN will reveal the truth in your children’s online conversations, and remove the veil of privacy they don’t deserve to have.

Text messaging and IM’ing (or instant-messaging) have become the primary form of communication for teenagers in the new millennium, made popular through their short form and secretive nature. Notice how your child is never without his/her phone, and won’t let you look at it or touch it. That’s because they know the information held inside these devices would rock the parenting world to its core, and undoubtedly lead to bans and communication blackouts.

WPN recommends all parents use the AWAY Guide when investigating their children’s online or texting activity, which is set in an easy to remember four-step format:

A:        Avoid contact with your children
W:        Wait until they are out before looking at their things
A:         Always cover your tracks
Y:        Yell at them upon discovering what they are really saying

The use of acronyms in text and online activity is encouraged by teenagers in order to keep the true meanings of their conversations hidden from prying eyes, especially those of their parents or teachers. Now WPN can bring you exclusive information decoding these secret messages, so you can know what your children are really up to. Below are some of the most commonly used terms:

WTF
While commonly mistaken for ‘What the ****’, this acronym actually means ‘Weed to Find’. This message is often found on the devices of children who are searching for a reputable source of illicit drugs.

CUTHERE
Often mistaken for ‘See you there’, when in fact the true meaning is ‘Cocaine Under There’. If you spot this message on your child’s computer or mobile phone, do not hesitate to contact police and report them as a drug dealer.

OMG
‘Online meeting girls’. Be very aware if your teenage son is posting this regularly – he may be having sex and you don’t even know it!

ROFL
‘Robbing Old Frail Ladies’. Has your child been receiving more money than they could possibly earn flipping burgers at McDonalds? Rummage through their personal belongings, you may be surprised by what you find.

LOL
The most common and dangerous of all, this acronym is often mistaken for a laughing gesture or sign of enjoyment. The true meaning however is ‘Liquor on [my] Lips’, a sign that your child is intoxicated or under the influence of illicit drugs. If you ever see this term being used, I urge you to rush your children to the hospital immediately as their life could be in danger.

The safety of your child cannot be compromised, even at the cost of their own personal privacy. Later in their lives your child will be thankful for you investigating their activities, and ensuring they were safe. Remember your child could be taking to anyone online, about anything. This guide should leave you feeling prepared to confront these issues, however snooping through their personal items will tell you much more than any news article could.

Keep a vigilant eye out to ensure your child stays protected. If any parents have information on other sinister acronyms, post them below to keep other parents up to date.

This article has been read 2043 times. You may also be interested in: