Young people call for ban on Mosquito devices
Tom Lloyd
Monday, February 11, 2008
A group of young people backed by leading youth agencies are calling on businesses to end the use of ultra-sonic dispersal devices.
The campaigners are arguing that equipment such as the Mosquito, which emits high-pitched sounds that are only audible to the young, have no place in a civilized society.
The Buzz Off campaign is supported by the Children's Commissioner for England, The National Youth Agency, human rights group Liberty and regeneration charity Groundwork.
Shops and other businesses often use the devices to stop groups of young people congregating nearby.
But the campaigners say the approach is unfair and indiscriminate, and positive methods to tackle antisocial behaviour should be used if there is a problem.
The Children's Commissioner for England, Al Aynsley-Green, said: "The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, and creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old."
The Buzz Off campaign is supported by the Children's Commissioner for England, The National Youth Agency, human rights group Liberty and regeneration charity Groundwork.
Shops and other businesses often use the devices to stop groups of young people congregating nearby.
But the campaigners say the approach is unfair and indiscriminate, and positive methods to tackle antisocial behaviour should be used if there is a problem.
The Children's Commissioner for England, Al Aynsley-Green, said: "The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, and creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old."
