Provincial police are urging parents to talk with their children after a Simcoe boy called 911 because he was told to get off of the internet.
OPP officers responded to the 911 call made by the 12-year-old on Thursday at around 9:45 p.m. Police said the child became upset when his parents told him to stop using the internet and help wash dishes. The boy told officers he wanted them to help find him a new family.
"On average, it takes at least two officers approximately thirty minutes to respond, investigate and clear the call. This puts enormous pressure on OPP resources when officers respond to unnecessary calls that can be prevented," the OPP said in a news release.
OPP officials said they are asking that parents have a discussion with their children about the importance of 911 and explain that it should only be called for emergencies only. As well, police said families are encouraged to take steps to prevent hang-ups and misdials from occurring, such as locking your cell phone number pad.
"If you dial 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Stay on the phone so the dispatcher can ascertain your safety and let them know it was a mistake," the OPP said.
Residents are asked to contact 1-888-310-1122 for all non-emergency calls for service.
