Transcript
Last Updated: October 25, 2024
SUPE: Hello everyone! This is SUPE, the gentle dragon. Today, let’s have a chat about something important: buying drugs online. We’ll talk about how to spot the signs, codes used online and most importantly, how to prevent them from happening in the first place. So, let’s jump right in!
First things first, we start by defining what we mean by online drug purchase. These are drugs purchased online from unreliable sources or plain drug dealers who sell their illegal drugs online. Now I know, it might seem hard to believe that anyone would buy drugs online, but trust me, it’s a growing problem. These days, people can get drugs on the dark web or even through apps like Snapchat. And the dealers? Well, they’re getting pretty darn creative. And it’s not just adults buying them – even kids are at risk.
Enough about the ways drugs are sold online, let’s dive into “Preveeeeention”! One thing you need to know is that teens can get pretty sneaky and private, so it’s important to recognize the signs and take steps to protect them from danger. And buying drugs online is definitely one of those dangers.
First, make it crystal clear that you’re going to be keeping an eye on their online activity. Now, I know this might sound like a punishment, but it’s not. As a parent, it’s your job to protect your kids from harm, and keeping tabs on their online behavior is just one way to do that. Plus, if you’re upfront about it from the beginning, it can help avoid any hurt feelings later on when approaching them about their online activities.
Second, there are some tools out there that can help you monitor your kids’ online activities. There are plenty of programs and software options available to keep track of what your kids are doing on their phones and online, and this can make a big difference in ensuring their safety.
Third, it’s important to know that adolescents with apps like Snapchat are particularly vulnerable to drug dealers who may directly advertise to them. These dealers are expanding their reach to other social media platforms and popular apps like Instagram, Tinder, Kik, and even shopping apps to sell a range of substances, from prescription drugs and research chemicals to recreational drugs.
Fourth, when you’re monitoring your kids’ accounts, keep an eye out for profiles that feature a non-face profile picture, drug-related terms in their bio or certain emojis, listed below.
Fifth, one of the best ways to prevent your kids from even thinking about buying drugs online is to educate them on the subject. This way, they can understand the dangers and consequences of buying and using drugs. And that’s where SUPE comes in – it’s a great tool to help you educate your kids on this important topic.
The DEA has done research to identify the emojis used by online drug dealers and has created a decoding system for them. It’s really important to be aware of these symbols, because they may seem harmless and be easily overlooked. Remember that while the dark web may not be widely accessed, it’s still easily reachable through a simple Google search. This poses risks to adolescents who may encounter sites selling harmful products, including illegal drugs. Due to the difficulty in identifying dark web users, it’s not a suitable place for young people to visit. So make sure you check any devices your child uses for TOR software, which is the primary browser used for accessing the dark web, and ensure that it’s not installed. TOR can be installed on a computer, tablet or phone. It’s important to keep a close eye on your child’s digital devices for any signs that they may be involved with digital currency or crypto. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are often used as payment options on the dark web, so if your child is interested in crypto, it could be a red flag that they’re accessing the dark web.
Nowadays, a lot of drug deliveries are made online and through the mail. So, here are some guidelines to follow: if your child receives packages but doesn’t open them in your presence, there’s a chance that the contents could be items purchased online that they don’t want you to know about. Additionally, if you notice your child being nervous or overly focused on the mailbox, it could be a sign that they’re trying to intercept a package without your knowledge. So, it’s important to stay vigilant and be aware of any suspicious behavior. Lastly, it’s a good idea to learn about the signs and behaviors of someone using drugs. This can give you an idea of what to look out for and help you determine if something is going on. You can find more information about this in our parent’s category. Remember, it’s sometimes unpopular to monitor your kid’s internet activity, but I’d rather be unpopular than have regrets.
I hope you found this information about online drug purchases helpful. You might be thinking, “My kids would never buy drugs online. I know them well, and they’re a good kid.” And you’re probably right, but it only takes one bad influence for them to make a poor decision that could have serious consequences. I hope these tips will assist you in keeping your kids safe from online drug dealers. Live a drug-free life!
Sources: https://thesocialinstitute.com/blog/monitoring-filtering-tools/
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Emoji%20Decoded.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/apr/07/drug-dealers-instagram-tinder-young-customers
https://www.biometrica.com/how-you-can-help-prevent-your-young-child-from-buying-drugs-online/
Test Your Knowledge
- What do we mean by online drug purchase?
Get Answer Here — 0:22 - What should you make crystal clear with your kid about their online activities?
Get Answer Here — 1:15 - What apps should you keep an eye on that your kids may be exposed to drug dealers?
Get Answer Here — 1:58 - What kind of app profiles should you look out for?
Get Answer Here — 2:25 - What dark web browser should you keep an eye on?
Get Answer Here — 3:29 - Why can cryptocurrencies be a red flag?
Get Answer Here — 3:43 - How are online drugs usually delivered?
Get Answer Here — 4:03
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SUPE® IS A NONPROFIT PLATFORM FUNDED AND HOSTED BY DRS. IT IS THE DRUG EDUCATION AND PREVENTION SECTION OF DRS & ADDICTED.ORG.
IT WAS CREATED TO FURTHER DRS’ MISSION TO EDUCATE PEOPLE AND TO PREVENT SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER.