GroomingIs “ASL” something to worry about? More Grooming terms
ASL
Risk flagShort for 'Age, Sex, Location' — a direct request from an unknown contact for identifying information, a classic grooming opener.
How kids use it
Common in DMs on TikTok, Discord, Instagram, and gaming platforms when approached by unknown adults or accounts.
Yes — take "ASL" seriously. Terms in this category show up in contact between kids and people trying to exploit them. Seeing it in your kid's messages doesn't prove the worst, but it warrants a calm look at who they're talking to.
- Don’t confront in anger — ask who they’re talking to online, and look together.
- If an unknown adult is involved: screenshot everything, block, and report it to the platform — and to the NCMEC CyberTipline (CyberTipline.org) if anything sexual was requested or sent.
- Run a 30-second check on the apps involved Is it safe? checker →