Officials are reminding that 9-1-1 should only be dialed in an emergency after an uptick in prank calls reported by the RCMP.

Police say most of the prank calls are coming from youth and what may seem like a harmless joke can lead to criminal charges and put public safety at risk.

Tying up the line for a non-emergency can delay response times as it could take first responders away from actual emergencies.

Even if children are only allowed access to a phone without a SIM card, officials note the device still has the ability to call 9-1-1.

Parents are asked to speak with their kids about the importance of dialing 9-1-1 only in the event of an emergency.