WatchAbbreviation · Ages 11-18 · In use
KYS
Short for "kill yourself," aimed at someone else. It is used as an insult in comments, games and group chats.
For parents and educators
Some kids toss it around as harsh banter, but it is still a serious thing to say, and schools and platforms treat it as harassment. If your child receives it, especially repeatedly or from several people, treat it as bullying. If your child sends it, talk about why those words can land very differently on someone who is already struggling.
If you’re worried
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If your child is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. Report repeated harassment to the platform and the school.
Where it came from
Gaming and comment-section trash talk that spread to messaging apps.
Sources