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The Conversation USA

Teenagers and younger kids are learning coded predator phrases like ‘MAP’ online, long before their parents have even heard of it

  • Written by Sharlette A. Kellum, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Texas Southern University
imageTeenagers and children may encounter terms like MAP in memes, comments or other ways online. Catherine Falls Commercial

When I checked my 10-year-old daughter’s TikTok messages in early February 2026, I expected to find the usual mix of dance challenges, school jokes and anime clips. Instead, I saw a stranger ask her, “Do you like...

Read more: Teenagers and younger kids are learning coded predator phrases like ‘MAP’ online, long before...

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