Online Safety Awareness: CR2 Security’s Commitment to Youth Awareness and Protection

With the rise of Netflix’s latest hit series Adolescence, conversations around teen behaviour, online safety, and digital influence have been pushed into the spotlight. At CR2 Security, we see this as an opportunity to talk, educate, raise awareness, and support parents, carers, and educators in navigating the rapidly shifting digital landscape young people now live in.

As a Wiltshire-based security company operating across the UK, we are committed to protecting communities, not just through physical security services, but also by helping families and individuals better understand hidden risks, particularly when it comes to children and vulnerable people online.

Learning Their Language: A Growing Communication Gap

Many adults are unaware of how young people communicate online. What appears completely innocent, such as an emoji, a phrase, or even a meme, can carry an entirely different meaning online. Without understanding this “language”, the gap between generations widens, and with it, the potential for serious misunderstandings and risks. Therefore, we want to step in and help build that bridge with some insight into what these hidden messages can truly mean amongst younger generations.

Emoji Codes and What They Really Mean

🔴 Red Pill – “I see the truth.” Often used in toxic male spaces and linked to misogynistic ideologies.

🔵 Blue Pill – Symbolises ignorance or belief in mainstream societal norms.

💥 Dynamite Emoji – An “exploding red pill”, implying radicalised incel views.

🫘 Kidney Bean – Sometimes used to mock women in incel communities.

💯 100 Emoji – Tied to the “80/20 rule,” a belief rooted in toxic relationship dynamics.

🕳️ Black Hole – Indicates feelings of depression or being drawn into negative spaces.

🌪️ Tornado – Represents chaos, overwhelm, or emotional distress.

🐸 Frog Emoji – Often linked to far-right meme culture and extremist online groups.

🦅 Eagle – Used in some far-right circles as a symbol of extreme nationalism.

💀 Skull – Can signal humour, but also dark themes like nihilism or self-harm.

❤️ 💜 💛 💗 🧡 Hearts – Each colour can hold unique meanings:

❤️ Love

💜 Lust

💛 “Are you interested?”

💗 Interested, but not sexually

🧡 “You’ll be okay” (offering support)

How Can Parents Keep Up?

Understanding digital culture is no easy task, but you don’t have to be a tech expert to stay connected with your child offline. Here’s some practical advice from our team of security professionals, made up of ex-military, police, and prison service personnel, who know just how vital early intervention and open communication can be:

Get Curious, Not Combative

Open the conversation with curiosity, not confrontation. Try: “I read something about emojis having different meanings—do you know anything about that?”

Create a Judgment-Free Zone

Young people are more likely to open up when they don’t fear punishment. Make it clear you’re there to understand and support.

Decode Together

Ask them to explain what’s happening in the current generation. What do certain emojis mean to them? Who do they follow online?

Teach Critical Thinking

Encourage questions like, “Why do you think this idea is being pushed? Who benefits from it?” Help them think beyond the screen.

Monitor Without Spying

Make online check-ins a regular, open part of parenting, not something reserved for crises.

Be Honest About Manipulation

Toxic online communities often lure young people in by making them feel special, seen, or like they’re part of an exclusive group. Although it may seem a difficult discussion, talking about how this manipulation works can mean a better understanding of what to spot.

Build Their Offline Confidence – The more they feel valued and confident in the real world, the less they’ll seek validation in dangerous online spaces.

Monthly Awareness Campaigns from our Security Company 

Every month, we’ll be releasing guidance and insights into the biggest threats facing children and vulnerable people. Next month’s topic: County Lines—what it is, how it works, and how to spot the warning signs that a young person may be getting caught up in criminal exploitation.

If you haven’t already, follow CR2 Security on social media. Our awareness posts are purposely shared on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to reach adults first, such as parents, carers, and professionals who can take informed action. We believe that equipping adults with the right knowledge is the first step in protecting young people.

Whether you're a parent, guardian, teacher, or community leader—your awareness matters. We’re not just here to provide security services. We're here to help create safer environments for the next generation. If you would like to chat about anything mentioned in this article, please feel free to reach out to our team at CR2 Security.