You will recall that way back in April 2006 I wrote about a rather nifty little device that helps dispel annoying anti social groups of teenagers and youths, who hang around in groups around shop doorways etc.The device is known as the "Mosquito" and works by emitting a high-frequency sound that irritates youths, but not the rest of the population.
A rather nifty and clever idea, given that all other methods that adults once used to move anti social teenagers on (eg a clip around the ear) have been banned.
Unfortunately Nanny still doesn't like it.
Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England appointed to represent the views of the country's 11 million children, wants it banned. He has started a campaign, called Buzz Off, asking for the Mosquito to be banned on grounds that it infringes the rights of young people.
Sir Albert says:
"These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving.
The use of measures such as these are simply demonising children and young people, creating a dangerous and widening divide between the young and the old.
This device is a quick fix. It's not tackling the root of the problem and it's indiscriminate."
I agree.
However, until parents are forced to take responsibility for removing their anti social offspring from the streets at night and during the day, and the police start to act as police (instead of telling the public to "have a go" - just like Gary Newlove did) what else are people meant to do?
It is all very well whining about the rights of youths and teens, but what about the rights of the rest of the population when confronted with anti social teens etc?
Make the parents take responsibility for their anti social offspring, and then there will be no need for the Mosquito.
-Curfew the entire family, ie put them under semi house arrest
-Remove the family's TVs, mobile phones, DVD's, iPods etc
-Cut/stop their benefits (or fine them if they are not on benefits)
