Student wants to ban device that targets antisocial young people
youth parliament to debate future of machine that emits high-pitched noise to move on youngsters
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A north-east student is campaigning to have a device designed to stop youngsters congregating in public areas banned.
The Mosquito omits a high pitched noise which can only be heard by young people.
Andrew Deans, a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, is preparing a motion which could be the first step in having them outlawed.
If his motion is passed it will be presented to the Scottish Government’s petitions committee.
Mr Deans, who is in fifth year at Stonehaven’s Mackie Academy, said: “This motion is about my belief that the Mosquito device, used as a ‘solution’ to antisocial behaviour among youngsters, is discriminatory, counter-effective and simply the wrong way to tackle youth crime.
“So far this motion has the support of Liberty, the human rights organisation, and also the Scottish branch of the National Autistic Society, on the grounds that the noise emitted by such devices can be extremely distressing to those with sensitive hearing.
“I also expect that the majority of the youth parliament will support my motion and early indicators suggest this to be the case,” the 16-year-old added.
“If passed, this motion will become parliament policy, meaning the organisation will take up the fight publicly, which may involve myself visiting a relevant committee at the Scottish Parliament.”
The motion has already won the backing of one MSP.
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MSP Mike Rumbles said: “I am a great believer in banning these devices – it’s the way forward. We don’t treat people in this way. Where there are problems with youth it is better to engage them and to use the police, these are not a solution. It’s a mistake to use them.
“Quite frankly using these things adds to the fear people have of young people and it’s wrong to tar them all with the same brush.”
He added that they indiscriminately upset youngsters.
Mr Rumbles said he did not know how many were in use but said he hoped it was a very low number.
The youth parliament is designed to represent those between the ages of 14 and 25.
The motion will go before it on March 7.
Readers' Comments
Hi I am Howard Stapleton AKA Mr Mosquito Since I launched the Mosquito I have campaigned for legislation to ensure its fair and correct use but to no avail. I even have the design for a unit with a built in camera that can be remotely viewed and operated from a Police control room. The unit even allows the operator to broadcast a warning before activation. My device has been proven to transform lives but I acknowledge that they are sometimes misused. This is why I have developed the remote controlled system that would allow the Police to make the decision if the use of the Mosquito was justified. To do any of this I need the support of ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers). With there support I will remove the Mosquito from Public sale for use in a public areas unless permission for use has been granted by the authorities. Our public services as we all know are strapped for cash, I have been told of instances where Police Officers have attended the same location on a nightly basis to deal with Teenage anti social behaviour and have it on reliable information that each visit costs the force £300 a time and as all of those who have suffered the problem will know that it returns within minutes of the Police leaving! I wish things hadn't got so bad that my invention was ever needed but it HAS!
Howard Stapleton
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Speaking on behalf of Give A Brick, a UK charity working with young people, I can't help but wonder why Mr Stapleton and the Home Secretary haven't had a conversation. Last Monday he refused to consider a ban on The Mosquito since they had been proven effective. However, he also said that 'they have to be used carefully'. That being the case, it would seem pertinent that since you seem to have the solution, you and he should talk. Andrew, good on you for speaking up and providing a voice for your fellow young people. I fear that ultimately, you are fighting a losing battle but would be delighted to be proven wrong. For what it's worth, I've added a post to the Give A Brick blog to help raise awareness of this issue. I look forward to reading more about how your motion proceeds after March 7th. Good Luck!
Eleanor Edwards
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