the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Montvale NJ , Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali is urging local parents to talk to their children about the disruptive trend of “ding dong dash” pranks, which have recently caused concern in neighboring towns.
According to Mayor Ghassali, there have been multiple reports of young children from Montvale ringing doorbells and running away, especially in nearby communities. While often considered a harmless childhood prank, the mayor emphasized that this behavior can be disrespectful, disruptive, and even distressing—particularly for elderly or physically disabled residents.
“Parents, please help me. Ringing someone’s doorbell and running away may seem funny, but it’s not,” said Ghassali in a statement. “It’s inconsiderate and can be very alarming for residents, especially our more vulnerable neighbors.”
What Is Ding Dong Dash?
Also known by other names like “knock knock ginger,” “knock down ginger,” or “nicky nicky nine doors,” the prank involves knocking or ringing a doorbell and fleeing before the homeowner can answer. While this game has historical roots dating back to 19th-century England and Cornwall, its modern version can pose safety risks and cause unnecessary fear or confusion—particularly in an era of home surveillance systems and heightened security awareness.
A Community Responsibility
Mayor Ghassali’s message is clear: it’s time for the community to come together and ensure that local youth understand the impact of their actions. He is asking parents and guardians to speak with their children and remind them that kindness and respect are more important than cheap laughs.
“Please remind the children to be considerate of others and to stop this,” Ghassali added. “We want Montvale to be known for compassion, not disruption.”
Why This Matters
While ding dong dash might seem harmless to some, the implications go beyond a simple prank. For homeowners — especially those who are elderly, live alone, or have limited mobility — unexpected knocks at night can lead to unnecessary panic, falls, or even emergency calls.
Additionally, repeated incidents can lead to frustration within neighboring communities, painting a negative picture of Montvale’s youth and putting a strain on community relationships.
Let’s Keep Montvale Respectful
Mayor Ghassali’s call for civility serves as a reminder that even small actions can have big consequences. Let’s work together to ensure Montvale continues to be a town known for respect, unity, and responsibility.
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