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Title: Call to scrap 'anti-teen' device (UK)
Source:
BBC
URL Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7240180.stm
Published: Feb 12, 2008
Author: BBC
Post Date: 2008-02-12 01:46:21 by robin
Keywords: None
Views: 181
Comments: 3
A high-pitched device used to disperse teenagers is being challenged by campaigners, who say it is not a fair way to treat young people. There are estimated to be 3,500 of the devices, known as the mosquito, in use across the country. Their sound causes discomfort to young ears - but their frequency is above the normal hearing range of people over 25. The Children's Commissioner for England says they should be scrapped as they infringe the rights of young people. Negative views The devices have proved popular with councils and police who use them to disperse groups of youths engaged in anti-social behaviour. But a new campaign called "Buzz off", led by the Children's Commissioner for England and back by groups including civil liberties group Liberty, is calling for them to be scrapped. The organisations want to highlight what they call the "increasingly negative" way society views and deals with children and young people. Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for England, said he had spoken to many young people who had been "deeply affected" by the deterrents. He said: "These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving. What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children? "The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old." Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said the device had no place in a country which values its children. "What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children? Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that caused blanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to our kids," she said. The mosquito's inventor, Howard Stapleton, previously told the BBC the device was proven to be effective. He said: "As a father I realise the majority of young people are fun-loving and law abiding. "I find it sad that a system is needed to combat lawlessness, but its proven effectiveness shows how much it is needed to improve our communities."
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