RESPOND Safeguarding

Content warning. This reference contains symbols, emojis and coded language associated with drug supply, sexual content, self-harm, violence, and extremism. Some entries may be distressing. If affected, speak with your line manager or Employee Assistance Programme.

Staff Resource — Professional Use Only

Compiled for safeguarding awareness within education settings. Does not constitute clinical, legal, or statutory guidance.

Context is essential — a single emoji rarely confirms harm. Always consult your DSL for case-specific decisions. This resource supplements, and does not replace, KCSIE, Working Together, and local procedures.

respondsafeguarding.org  ·  v1.0 April 2026
RESPOND Safeguarding  ·  Staff Reference  ·  April 2026

Symbols, Emojis &
Coded Visual Language

A staff reference for recognising coded symbols used in drug supply, sexual communication, self-harm, threats, and extremism. Context and pattern determine concern — no single emoji is definitive.

Searchable Tiered by concern Staff use only
90
Symbols
7
Sections
3
Tiers
T1
High Concern
Directly linked to harm — explore and notify DSL
T2
Moderate
Contextually concerning — monitor and log
T3
Awareness
Common usage — context determines concern
Important: Tiers indicate potential safeguarding relevance, not automatic referral thresholds. A single emoji is rarely conclusive — look for patterns, frequency, combinations, and associated behaviour. This resource supplements, and does not replace, KCSIE, Working Together, local procedures, or professional judgement.
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