'I Had Pasta Tonight' Is A Secret Code On TikTok Parents And Grandparents Need To Know About

Kids are using the TikTok secret code "I had pasta tonight" as a cry for help. And every parent and grandparent needs to be on the lookout for this.

Even though teens often claim they are adults and no longer need our supervision, there’s a good reason to keep an eye on them on social media. They may complain about their lack of privacy and independence, but sometimes that’s the price that must be paid for their safety.

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The video site TikTok is usually known for silly videos teens upload of themselves being funny or dancing. But if you see a teen sharing ‘I had pasta tonight,’ you need to know what that TikTok secret code actually means. 

TikTok Secret Code Isn't About Pasta

“I had pasta tonight” is a secret code on TikTok parents and grandparents need to know about.

At its core, TikTok is a popular video-sharing app where young adults and teens often share snippets of choreographed dances. The app allows users to share humorous, adventurous, and dance videos with the world. Like other social media platforms, people can amass a following and potentially claim some virtual fame (or at least a lot of views.) 

As with anything on the Internet though, there is always a darker side just beneath the surface.

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A new trend is occurring. But this time, instead of a viral dance craze, users are sounding off a cry for help using a TikTok secret code!

“I had pasta tonight,” means the person has felt anxiety, depression, and potentially suicidal thoughts.

saw a tiktok about a girl saying her mom just made her favorite pasta.... not knowing what it’s about, i went to the comment section & its everyone giving her reasons to stay. one comment said “have you heard your child’s laugh yet?”....

— Amber 🌻 (@x_amberlynne) June 25, 2020

There are similar codes such as, “I finished my shampoo and conditioner at the same time”.

People who are aware of the TikTok secret codes and see these posts respond accordingly with words of affirmation for the person.

Talking To Kids About Dangers Like TikTok Secret Codes

The Center of Disease Control has published their findings on adolescent behavior in their Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS.)

The common knowledge is that the youth (Generation Z, Millennials) are more likely to use social media. The study shows that while most members of Generation Z will reach adulthood successfully, they are at higher risk for substance abuse, suicide, and unprotected sexual intercourse.

As a parent, guardian, or mentor of a youth, it is our duty to support their development first through communication. Share with them what you heard about the TikTok secret code, and ask for their thoughts on the subject. Were they already aware? This could be an opportunity to check on their spiritual and emotional wellbeing. Conversations about mental health are uncomfortable for everyone involved, but parents and children will be better off if someone is struggling emotionally and can voice their thoughts.

Biblical Help

There are plenty of statistics to verify that claim, but you can also turn to scripture.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24

The Bible said it first. Sweet words nourish us physically and also spiritually. Words can bring healing to the pain we feel inside. Plus, sometimes having someone listen to you can make a person feel validated and important. The more we can do to connect with people in-person, the more vocal people, especially the youth, can be about their problems. The less they will seek affirmation online because they will know, they can receive affirmation from their folks at home.

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So if you see someone on TikTok talking about pasta, know that they may not be talking about carbs. And be prepared to offer help!

For assistance, you can always reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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h/t: Yahoo!

Featured Image: Pexels/Brett Sayles

Aaron D'Anthony Brown is a freelance writer, hip-hop dance teacher, and visual artist, living in Virginia. He currently contributes to Salem Web Network’s Crosswalk platform and supports various clients through the freelancing website Upwork. He's an outside-the-box thinker with a penchant for challenging the status quo. 

Get in touch with him at aarondanthony.com and check out his debut short story anthology Honey Dreams on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.