I am unsure what I feel about this new device. It seems that until you reach your early 20’s you are able to detect very much higher pitched sonic waves and that that these can be uncomfortable to the ear.
This is an interesting concept that takes the opportunity to exploit the differences of age as a method to possibly preventing anti-social behaviour. It is an interesting debating point but its use is deeply flawed. Its main problem is that this is a totally indiscriminate way of controlling anti-social behaviour as both those causing ASB, as well as the innocent bystander, are swept up in the problem. I suppose, in many ways, this is like the idea that every car should have a speed limiter fitted to prevent you from exceeding the speed limit - it falls into the prevention by banning category where the innocent get swept up in the rush to crush the guilty.
However, there are apparently some 3,500 of these ‘Mosquito’ devices being used across the country in shopping centres and parks - watch out if you are under 20 and visit Newcastle! Is there a place where these can be used effectively? I am not sure I know?
You can read the report on this below - the website of the manufacturer can be seen here.
The Press Association: Campaign to ban dispersal device
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