A teenager has been charged with mischief for packing a bomb-shaped alarm clock in his carry-on.

Peel Police said that at around 4:50 p.m. Saturday, the 15-year-old, who was en route to Vancouver, was pulled aside after a screening officer noticed the object in his luggage.

Would you pack this in you carry on luggage? Teenager thought it was a good idea yesterday at Pearson airport. <a href="http://t.co/zQDIsbYHpX">pic.twitter.com/zQDIsbYHpX</a> —@PeelPoliceMedia

Const. George Tudos said the explosive disposal unit was dispatched to Terminal 3, the screening area was shut down, and the surrounding area was evacuated for about three hours.

Tudos said the teen was charged, not for bringing the faux bomb, but for "interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property," which is a mischief offence.

"The moral of the story is make sure the items you pack are allowed on a plane," Tudos said. "I mean, what did he think was going to happen if he packed something like this?"

The device tweeted earlier was an alarm clock, but officials at the airport have to take all precautions. Charges laid. Lesson learnt —@PeelPoliceMedia

The alarm clock looks similar to one that is made by nootropic design LLC, a small technology and design company based in Minneapolis. The company sells its "defusable clock" for $45.95 US.

On its site, the company says, "Dear Pranksters: Yeah, you. I know you are excited to scare your friends and coworkers with a phony bomb, but use your head. This kind of device can make people freak out and call the authorities.

"So don't bring this to school or to work, and certainly don't bring it anywhere near an airport! Seriously, don't get yourself into trouble."