dcsh 2008-2-12 01:16 PM
Call to scrap 'anti-teen' device
Call to scrap 'anti-teen' device
[size=2] [table=203] [tr][td] [img=203,152]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41478000/jpg/_41478814_mosquito_walesnews_203.jpg[/img] The device sends out a high-pitched, irritating noise
[/td][/tr] [/table] [b]A high-pitched device used to disperse teenagers is being challengedby campaigners, who say it is not a fair way to treat young people.[/b][/size][size=2]There are estimated to be 3,500 of the devices, known as the mosquito, in use across the country.[/size]
[size=2]Their sound causes discomfort to young ears - but their frequency is above the normal hearing range of people over 25.[/size]
[size=2]The Children's Commissioner for England says they should be scrapped as they infringe the rights of young people.[/size]
[size=2][b]Negative views[/b][/size]
[size=2]The devices have proved popular with councils and policewho use them to disperse groups of youths engaged in anti-socialbehaviour. [/size]
[size=2]But a new campaign called "Buzz off", led by theChildren's Commissioner for England and back by groups including civilliberties group Liberty, is calling for them to be scrapped.[/size]
[size=2]The organisations want to highlight what they call the"increasingly negative" way society views and deals with children andyoung people. [/size]
[size=2]Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner forEngland, said he had spoken to many young people who had been "deeplyaffected" by the deterrents. [/size]
[size=2]He said: "These devices are indiscriminate and targetall children and young people, including babies, regardless of whetherthey are behaving or misbehaving.[/size]
[size=2] [table=208] [tr] [td=1,1,5][img=5,1]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/shared/img/o.gif[/img][/td] [td] [img=24,13]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/start_quote_rb.gif[/img] [b]What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon on its children?[/b] [img=23,13]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/img/v3/end_quote_rb.gif[/img]
Shami Chakrabarti
Liberty
[/td] [/tr] [/table] [/size]
[size=2]"The use of measures such as these are simply demonisingchildren and young people, creating a dangerous and widening dividebetween the young and the old."[/size]
[size=2]Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said the device had no place in a country which values its children.[/size]
[size=2]"What type of society uses a low-level sonic weapon onits children? Imagine the outcry if a device was introduced that causedblanket discomfort to people of one race or gender, rather than to ourkids," she said. [/size]
[size=2]The mosquito's inventor, Howard Stapleton, previously told the BBC the device was proven to be effective.[/size]
[size=2]He said: "As a father I realise the majority of young people are fun-loving and law abiding.[/size]
[size=2]"I find it sad that a system is needed to combatlawlessness, but its proven effectiveness shows how much it is neededto improve our communities." [/size]
