OHIO — USDictionary.com conducted a survey that shows Ohio parents are one of the most street smart in America when it comes to knowing slang and social media language. It's a skill that can help them monitor their children's social media and understand the problems their children may be having.

What You Need To Know

  • 95% of children between the ages of 13 and 17 use social media

  • In the state budget, Gov. Mike DeWine proposed more mental health measures for youth who are online

  • Parents can use slang to understand their child's social media platforms and mitigate tough situations
  • Ohio parents scored an average 73% when tested on social media slang

While words like “lit” “slay” and “rizz” are common among Gen Z, some parents are making sure they are in on the joke.

Kyra Crockett Hodge has had to familiarize herself with all of the TikTok trends, Twitter memes and Instagram sayings these past few years.

As a mom to a middle schooler and recent high school graduate, Crockett-Hodge works with youth of all ages as the director of engagement and outreach at Huckleberry House.

“I feel you know even though I'm old, but always just trying to stay abreast with the culture,” said Crockett-Hodge. “I think, yeah, it's funny, you know, but I always, you know, can't ever forget that I was a kid and we always had, you know, slang and, you know, different things that we said.”

Reminiscing on the words she used a teen, she uses that relatability when talking with the kids in her life. According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, 95% of children between the ages of 13 and 17 use social media.

While most social media slang is used in a fun and lighthearted manner, it can sometimes be coded to come off mean.

Crockett-Hodge said that’s why it’s important to sit down with young people and ask the “cringe-like” questions.

“I don't spend a lot of time majoring in minors and so really having conversations with my children and, you know, my work kids, you know, about, you know, what does that mean?” said Crockett-Hodge. “Just making sure that they understand where my values are and where I draw the line.” 

Bullying has been seen in almost every generation, but the virality of social media can escalate situations due to the amount of eyes and ears tuned in liking, sharing and commenting. Whether it’s her own kids or those she works with, Crockett-Hodge's message to all of them is to watch what you say online.

 

“I have those types of conversations and just get young people to pause and really understand that social media is fun, you know, it's definitely entertaining and engaging, but it should not define who you think you are or who you are trying to be,” said Crockett-Hodge. 

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