We always tell our kids to call 911 in case of an emergency, but one child took that advice a little too literally! When a young boy found himself struggling with his homework, he did what he thought was right—he dialed 911 for help. Not knowing any other number, the boy turned to the emergency line for assistance with his math problems.

It’s true that 911 is meant for people who need help, but homework troubles? While not exactly an emergency, this boy was determined to get the assistance he needed.

The 911 operator who answered the call started with the usual questions, trying to understand the nature of the emergency. After a bit of confusion, the operator finally realized that the boy was struggling with subtraction, not a life-threatening situation. What followed was a lighthearted exchange between the boy and the operator that quickly went viral.

Below is the transcript of the adorable conversation:

Operator: 911, what’s your emergency?
Boy: I need help.
Operator: What’s wrong?
Boy: It’s my math.
Operator: Your mouth?
Boy: No, my math! I have to finish it. Are you going to help me?
Operator: Okay. What city do you live in?
Boy: I just need help with my math.
Operator: I understand, but where do you live?
Boy: I don’t want to say. I just want to talk on the phone.
Operator: I can’t stay on the phone, but I can send someone to help you.

Boy: Alright.
Operator: What kind of math are you doing?
Boy: Takeaways.
Operator: Ah, subtraction. What’s the problem?
Boy: What’s 8 minus 16?
Operator: Well, how much do you think it is?
Boy: I don’t know… maybe 1?
Operator: Not quite! How old are you?
Boy: I’m four.
Operator: Four! That’s great. What’s the next problem?
Boy: Five takeaways.
Operator: Okay, what’s 5 minus 5?
Boy: Five!
Operator: Close, but not exactly.

At that moment, the boy’s mom entered the room, realizing what her son was up to.

Mother: Johnny, what are you doing?
Boy: I’m getting help with my math from the police.
Mother: I told you to ask for help, but I didn’t mean call 911!

The operator then explained the situation to the boy’s mother, who was just as amused as everyone else. Although calling 911 for homework assistance isn’t the best idea, this call gave everyone involved a good laugh.

In the end, the boy got a lesson in both math and emergency protocol. It was a heartwarming reminder of the innocence of children, and how they sometimes take things very literally!