Culture

Anti-yob Mosquito banned 'to protect children's human rights'

by Paul Conneally | June 13, 2008 at 10:10 pm

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The 'Mosquito' produces a sound which causes discomfort and some say pain to children and teenagers. It's a blunt instrument so not only do 'yobs' feel the pain but any law abiding young people who happen to be passing through, by or using the areas and shops using the device. Many young people feel that it is a direct attack on them and civil rights groups will welcome Kent's decision to ban the device.

A controversial electronic device that disperses young people has been banned by a council.

Amid concerns that the Mosquito infringes children's human rights, Kent County Council said it is one of the first authorities in the country to prohibit the gadget in its buildings.

An estimated 3,500 of the devices - which emit a high-pitched sound - are in use throughout England in shopping centres, parks and shops since their introduction in January 2006.

The Association of Convenience Stores, which represents 33,000 local shops, has said the Mosquito can be useful in tackling anti-social behaviour.