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How should I handle repeated prank calls from a young child?

98 replies

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · 05/09/2026 22:49

This is a really strange situation. But basically a kid started calling me last night on a private number as a prank 'Is Ben Dover there?' I just laughed, played along a little and hung up. I thought it was one of my DD's teenage friends. Kid phoned a few times then started calling again today numerous times. I didn't always answer and put my phone on dnd for a bit but as a private number it could have been someone needing to get hold of me. Anyway, it then turned into this kid who judging by their voice (They were putting on silly voices to start with so I couldn't tell) is only about 10/11, telling me I was kind and just phoning wanting to chat with me. Obviously I realise this is wildy inapropriate and have nicely told them to stop calling, that I'm too busy to talk or I've suggested they find something else to do to entertain them. They still keep calling. And I'm having thoughts of why do they want to speak to a stranger...are they ok, is something going on in their home life? Which obviously nothing I can do as I don't know their details and obviously wouldn't ask. They phoned me again about half an hour ago and I asked where their parents were and they said in bed.

What is the best way to deal with this? I'm hoping after the weekend they'll be busy at school and stop. Should I ask to talk to his parents? Should I be more firm in telling him not to call? Should I do something else??

OP posts:
DoodleSquad · Yesterday 09:38

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:41

I did do that for a few hours today. But my children need to be able to get hold of me so wouldn't like to do it all day. But tbh, I could ignore all private calls tomorrow and hopefully he will have given up by Monday.

If you have an iPhone you can choose which contacts can call you when on DND.

Open Settings → Focus → Do Not Disturb.

Tap People (or "Allowed Notifications" → "People").

Tap Add People (+) and select the contacts you want to allow.

Under "Allow Calls From" at the bottom, choose Allowed People Only.

Toggle on Allow Repeated Calls if you want the same number ringing twice within 3 mins to get through (great for emergencies!).

Turn Do Not Disturb on - only your chosen contacts will ring!.

(edited as numbered list didn’t work properly!)

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · Yesterday 09:26

Just mentioning that it might not be a child as young as you think. I had some 'prank' calls a long time back from someone who sounded like a child, but eventual questioning revealed that they were a university student (I heard background noises of conversation and asked where they were/what was going on). They genuinely sounded about 10 years old. But weren't.

Copperoliverbear · Yesterday 09:25

can you block them.

sanityisamyth · Yesterday 09:23

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:49

I think just they are so young and very sweet I didn't want to be nasty. But you are probably right.

Very sweet? They’re nuisance calling you.

sanityisamyth · Yesterday 09:22

Cardhey · Yesterday 08:34

Get a whistle… or pretend to have a full break down….

A whistle down the phone can cause permanent hearing damage.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · Yesterday 09:17

MelonSorbet · 05/09/2026 22:57

I don't think you can block a private number, because you don't know what the number is to block it if you see what I mean.

You can block any specific number (on a mobile phone).
Although the process might differ on different phones.

Cardhey · Yesterday 08:34

Get a whistle… or pretend to have a full break down….

moppety · Yesterday 08:27

My iPhone has a setting where unknown numbers have to say a message explaining who they are, they are then placed on hold while you decide if you want to answer. Could you try that?

How should I handle repeated prank calls from a young child?
IronEverything · Yesterday 08:21

Stop answering the bloody phone. You're encouraging it.

avonleabonbon · Yesterday 08:11

“The police have put a trace on my phone line.”

HelpMeGetThrough · Yesterday 08:05

Blow a whistle down the phone or tell the little prick you know where they are and you’ll pay them a visit at some point.

hididdlyho · Yesterday 07:46

I'd hang up without saying anything, he'll soon get bored if he's not getting a response.

Moonnstarz · Yesterday 07:43

I think I would report this to 101. I think you can do it online rather than calling if that's easier.
Keep it factual - started with a joke. Now you have received multiple calls from them just wanting to chat.
Private number.
Sounds like a child. Now concerned over the number of calls to you and whether it is them trying to seek help.

Though just to add, is it definitely no one you or anyone your house knows? I recall my parents receiving calls from a child chatting, and it was the family I babysat for. Our number was saved in the phone and the kid just had to press a button and it would call someone on the contacts list.

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 07:34

redboxerclub · Yesterday 02:18

How many calls OP? It is concerning really and I thing report to 101. I could be the child o vulnerable, they could escalate to hoax calls (rather than prank calls), or they could call a vulnerable person. Any more than 3 calss
is haressement and needs pursuing.

stop engaging, hang up and state you have contacted the police and they will trace the number.

We're talking about 20 calls...not all answered.

OP posts:
Dontevenlookatme · Yesterday 07:34

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:39

Why not? It's just a silly kiddy joke and I thought it was one of my DD's friends.

Ben Dover and Phil McCavity I believe is the full phrase. Not a kiddy joke, a sexual one. Crude between adults but completely inappropriate with a child.

edited to add I realise it’s not your intention OP but it might indicate something about the child’s.

redboxerclub · Yesterday 02:18

How many calls OP? It is concerning really and I thing report to 101. I could be the child o vulnerable, they could escalate to hoax calls (rather than prank calls), or they could call a vulnerable person. Any more than 3 calss
is haressement and needs pursuing.

stop engaging, hang up and state you have contacted the police and they will trace the number.

BibbityBoppityTwo · Yesterday 01:56

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:47

Oh bless you. This is probably the most likely reason, rather than anything more sinister, thank you.

Yes, I think they’re probably just unconsciously seeking connection and maybe don’t know or don’t feel confident to go about it in normal ways. That was the case for me, I think.

BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:49

PollyBell · Yesterday 01:07

Why wouldn't you just say you will call the police if they dont stop it doesn't have to be a drama

I think just they are so young and very sweet I didn't want to be nasty. But you are probably right.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:47

BibbityBoppityTwo · Yesterday 00:48

I did this exact thing at around the same age. Started prank calling someone and then began to have a bit of a chat! I was just bored and lonely. Undiagnosed ADHD and under stimulated and lacking good friendships at the time. I was generally OK, though.

Maybe just tell the kid that it’s been nice chatting to them but that you’re busy and won’t be taking their calls anymore.

Oh bless you. This is probably the most likely reason, rather than anything more sinister, thank you.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:45

TheSmallAssassin · 05/09/2026 23:58

I use the call screening on my phone for numbers that I don't recognise, do you have that? It's just an automated voice asking people to say what they are calling about so you can choose to pick up or not. Spam callers just hang up.

I've not heard of that but I'll find out if I can do that on my phone, thanks.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:44

Hairyfairy01 · 05/09/2026 23:58

I don’t know OP, I think I would call 101 for advise. It could be a child in genuine need of help / support.

Yes, that's my concern. I don't think 101 would do anything but I could try.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:42

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 05/09/2026 23:52

Can you put an answerphone message on, just ‘please leave your name and number and I’ll get back to you’ but have it so you can listen as the speaker is leaving the message and just answer halfway through if you know the person? I don’t know if it’s actually possible on a mobile though. Otherwise just listen to the message and call (some) people back.

Not sure about being able to listen, but yes, that is an idea.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:41

rathersleepy · 05/09/2026 23:23

Could you just put your phone on do not disturb and ignore? They will give up soon enough.

I did do that for a few hours today. But my children need to be able to get hold of me so wouldn't like to do it all day. But tbh, I could ignore all private calls tomorrow and hopefully he will have given up by Monday.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:39

Dontevenlookatme · 05/09/2026 23:13

I hope you didn’t play along with a child asking for “Ben Dover”. Report this, or at least seek advice from the police. Could be harmless, could be an attempt at entrapment.

Why not? It's just a silly kiddy joke and I thought it was one of my DD's friends.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:37

WallaceinAnderland · 05/09/2026 23:11

Block them and forget about it.

I can't block - it's a private number.

OP posts:
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