GroomingIs “RU18” something to worry about? More Grooming terms
RU18
Risk flagA predator's coded question asking if the child is 18 years old, used to gauge legal risk before escalating grooming.
How kids use it
Common in DMs and chat apps from unknown adults; a documented grooming red flag in safety reports.
Yes — take "RU18" 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 →