As Arizona’s youth increasingly engage with social media, a new and alarming danger has emerged—drug dealers targeting minors through popular online platforms. The ease with which children and teens can access social media apps like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook has unfortunately provided a new avenue for drug dealers to reach potential young buyers.
The Reality of Online Drug Sales
Drug dealers are leveraging social media to sell a variety of dangerous substances, often with fatal consequences. The most disturbing trend involves the lacing of street drugs with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a surge in overdose deaths. The types of drugs available for purchase online include painkillers, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis, mushrooms, MDMA, and Xanax. These substances pose a severe risk, especially to young users who may not be aware of the lethal doses they are consuming.
Five Key Points for Parents to Protect Their Children
Parents and guardians must be vigilant in protecting their children from the risks posed by online drug dealers. Here are five essential strategies to help parents stay informed and proactive:
- Set Clear Expectations of Privacy
As children grow, they naturally seek more privacy. However, this can lead to risky online behavior. Parents should clearly communicate that they will monitor all online activity, whether it’s on a tablet, home computer, smart TV, or smartphone. Utilize tools that manage and monitor screen time, require children to share passwords, and regularly review their social media profiles for any unusual activity, such as the use of drug-related emojis. - Learn the Drug Emoji Code
Emojis are often used by minors to communicate in code, and drug dealers have adopted this trend to conceal their activities. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has published a guide to these emojis, helping parents recognize when their children may be involved in illegal activities online. By understanding these codes, parents can better detect potential threats. - Understand the Dark Web
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illicit activities, including drug sales, are rampant. Parents should be aware of signs that their children may be accessing the dark web, such as the presence of TOR software on devices (the primary browser for the dark web) or strange packages arriving in the mail that their children may be trying to hide. - Recognize the Risk of Overdose
Ordering drugs online comes with the severe risk of overdose, particularly with substances laced with fentanyl. Parents should understand that there may be no warning signs before an overdose occurs, making it crucial to educate children about the dangers of buying drugs online. - Look for Early Warning Signs
Despite the secrecy surrounding online drug dealings, there are still signs that parents can watch for. These include children becoming overly protective of their space, changes in their social circles, increasing isolation, a loss of interest in activities, declining grades, and short-term memory issues.
Staying Informed and Taking Action
While the internet and social media offer many benefits, they also expose children to significant dangers. By staying informed and actively monitoring their children’s online activities, parents can play a critical role in preventing online drug-related incidents. Open communication, education about the risks, and vigilance can help safeguard Arizona’s youth from the growing threat of online drug dealers.