Aside from having a conversation surrounding alcohol and drugs is the importance of being knowledgeable of recent trends that our children are facing. Gone are the days of the stereotypical drug deals that we see in movies...making a quick exchange of cash for drugs in the cover of night, on a scary corner in a less than safe neighborhood. 

Now, technology and social media have facilitated the access to drugs and alcohol. Social media platforms offer a location to market the dealer's "Menu of the Day," Emojis and street names are used to advertise and purchase drugs online. Instead of exchanging cash, the convenience of electronic methods of payment deliver quick payments in exchange for drugs and potential delivery to your home.

 Knowing about your child's social media interactions and maintaining a pulse on their phone messages and their friendships can be instrumental in keeping your child safe. 

To aid parents and the community with this endeavor, the DEA gathered the most commonly used Emojis used in their investigations when referring to drugs and other substances. They put these together into what is their Emoji Drug Code Decoded. It is a great resource for parents to use when trying to decipher their child's communications.