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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:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:36

rathersleepy · 05/09/2026 23:06

I think you can block private numbers but it’s not ideal as sometimes Doctors, hospitals etc use them.

Yes, exactly. I get a lot of private number calls so can't just block all private numbers.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:35

AllTheChicken · 05/09/2026 23:04

🤦‍♀️ 101, not 111.

I knew what you meant!

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:34

KilkennyCats · 05/09/2026 22:58

Why would you not just block the number and forget about it rather than making plans as to what to do when they call again?!

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

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:33

CurlyKoalie · 05/09/2026 22:56

Why don't you just block the number?
No danger of accusations of inappropriate behaviour then.

It is a private number call so no number to block...otherwise I would have already done that.

OP posts:
BrighterDaysAhead2026 · Yesterday 01:32

AllTheChicken · 05/09/2026 22:53

That is a strange one. Id be worried its an elaborate scam to record your voice, although it does seem rather more involved than the usual phone scams currently going round. If you dont get many private number calls (I dont!), then maybe try ignoring for a few days and see if it stops. If not Id search online to see if this is doing the rounds, and as a last resort consider calling 111 for advice

I didn't think of that...but seems unlikely. I may just ignore all private numbers calla tomorrow. But during the week I often get private number calls from professionals so would need to answer. Mind you he should be in school most of the day so I could just ignore any private numbers after 3pm.

OP posts:
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

Ilovelurchers · Yesterday 01:04

Report to 101 - let them decide whether it's a safeguarding issue that needs following up. My instinct is that that is very sexualised behaviour from such a young child - not necessarily that surprising as kids are explode to so much sexual content through the media these days. But still.....

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The only thing you can do is report it to someone whose job it is to make those judgements.

Then tell the child you have done so if they call again. Hopefully that will stop them.

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.

purpleme12 · Yesterday 00:44

I think I'd just ignore the calls.
And if it's actually someone who does need to get hold of you, they'd leave a voicemail anyway

queenofthenorth3 · Yesterday 00:07

I would tell them you’re concerned that they need help so will be reporting to 101 so the call can be traced. If they are pissing about and being silly that should be enough to stop them. If they genuinely need help then their reaction might be different and will give you a clue whether or not you actually need to do this.

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.

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.

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.

rathersleepy · 05/09/2026 23:23

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

Rosesanddaffs · 05/09/2026 23:15

I used to dial a random number as a child from the house phone.

I used to stay silent and thought it was funny that the poor woman I was calling was getting more and more annoyed! 🤦🏻‍♀️

I stopped the moment she said she’d call the police if I called her again, so maybe try that and the calls might stop.

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.

WallaceinAnderland · 05/09/2026 23:11

Block them and forget about it.

rathersleepy · 05/09/2026 23:06

I think you can block private numbers but it’s not ideal as sometimes Doctors, hospitals etc use them.

AllTheChicken · 05/09/2026 23:04

🤦‍♀️ 101, not 111.

KilkennyCats · 05/09/2026 22:58

Why would you not just block the number and forget about it rather than making plans as to what to do when they call again?!

MelonSorbet · 05/09/2026 22:57

CurlyKoalie · 05/09/2026 22:56

Why don't you just block the number?
No danger of accusations of inappropriate behaviour then.

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.

CurlyKoalie · 05/09/2026 22:56

Why don't you just block the number?
No danger of accusations of inappropriate behaviour then.

AllTheChicken · 05/09/2026 22:53

That is a strange one. Id be worried its an elaborate scam to record your voice, although it does seem rather more involved than the usual phone scams currently going round. If you dont get many private number calls (I dont!), then maybe try ignoring for a few days and see if it stops. If not Id search online to see if this is doing the rounds, and as a last resort consider calling 111 for advice

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