Anti-Teen Device to be banned

Tuesday 12 February 08

Campaigners are calling for a ban on the device known as the Mosquito, which gives out a high pitched sound that is is above the normal hearing range of people over 25.

The devices, which exploit the fact that a person's ability to hear high frequencies generally declines once they reach their 20s, have proved popular with councils and police who aim to tackle anti-social behaviour by using them to disperse groups of youths.

But a new campaign called "Buzz off", led by the children's commissioner for England and backed by groups including civil liberties group Liberty, is calling for them to be scrapped.

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.

Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said the device had no place in a country that 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.

What do you think about this device and should it still be legal to use?