My family and I had this same problem a few years ago, and we actually invented a product to help. FlushStop (www.flushstop.com). It's a lock for the toilet lever that prevents compulsive flushing and flushing of foreign objects. Since it only locks the toilet lever, it allows the toilet to remain open for kids to use it independently (we initially tried a toilet lock, but that led to a few unsightly bathroom accidents when he needed to get to the toilet before we could open it!). It's very easy for a parent to unlock when it's time to flush, and it's also a great tool to reinforce appropriate flushing behavior. Just thought I'd share with anyone who could use it. Hope it's helpful!

Our son is 11 and still does it and gets a real kick out of it. Here's what I've learned by doing the right AND the wrong thing:

1: take three deep breaths and remain calm. Exasperation is entertaining and reinforces the bad behaviors.

2: get in the habit of turning off the water at the base of the tank and keeping the tank empty so that I won't flush. Turn it on only when you need to flush.

3: don't be tempted by Eco-friendly toilets; they clog much more easily

4: keep a plunger nearby and invest in a snake as well as spare wax rings should you need to dismount the toilet.

5: search around for a reputable plumber. Avoid the bigger companies; it should not cost hundreds to lift up a toilet or thousands of dollars to fish a toy out of the main sewer drain.

6: be proactive: don't leave flushable items out near the toilet. Also, keep track of things they like to play with in water like toys. It's also advisable not to leave keys, cell phone, etc. out while the bathroom is in use. I'd also recommend a waterproof cell phone case.

We bought child locks for the toilets and had to turn the water off. After a few days my son lost interest and we turned the water back on, then after a few more days we stopped keeping the toilet seat lock. My son is 3 so this helped. Anytime he tries to play with the toilet. We just use the child lock. He has not done so in over 3 months but I am not ready to completely remove the locks.

Dealing with it for many years. Hate to say it, but there is not a magic solution. We usually resort to locking the bathroom - even then he finds a key. Turning off water, disabling the flusher etc, nothing worked for very long as he’d find ways to get around it, even the door lock is getting damaged from trying to break it open. (He’s adult now) definitely the toughest thing that happens on a regular basis.

I am dealing with this right now. 11 year old keeps flushing things and stopping up my grandparents toilet. No chance I’m using the flush stop lock because they have a toilet with buttons on top for flushing. I will try turning the water off but then I have to deal with two people in their 80’s complaining about that as well.