Mosquito Device Used To Disperse Teen Groups
IdeaMan — February 17, 2008 — Life-Stages
References: kidsbegone & timesonline
A controversial device that uses high frequency sound to disperse groups of teenagers has been installed in more than 3,500 locations across the UK. The frequencies used by the device, known as the Mosquito, can only be heard by young people and children. Most people have lost the ability to hear those frequencies, 17 - 18 kHz, by the time they reach 25 years of age. The sound is emitted at a level of 5 dB above surrounding noise levels, up to a maximum of 85 dB, about as loud as busy city street. The sound does not cause pain or other physical discomfort, but instead eventually becomes annoying to those that can hear it, just like a pesky mosquito, causing them to move on.
People and businesses who have installed the device, as well as the police, seem to be satisfied that it works as advertised, and see it as a tool to protect people and personal property from large groups of youth, such as gangs. However, not everyone approves of the device. Some see a problem in its lack of selectivity, as reported by Timesonline.co.uk: “These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving,†Sir [Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England] told the BBC. “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.â€
People and businesses who have installed the device, as well as the police, seem to be satisfied that it works as advertised, and see it as a tool to protect people and personal property from large groups of youth, such as gangs. However, not everyone approves of the device. Some see a problem in its lack of selectivity, as reported by Timesonline.co.uk: “These devices are indiscriminate and target all children and young people, including babies, regardless of whether they are behaving or misbehaving,†Sir [Albert Aynsley-Green, the Children's Commissioner for England] told the BBC. “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.â€
Trend Themes
1. Use of High Frequency Sound Devices - There are opportunities for innovators to develop more advanced and targeted high frequency sound devices for specific purposes, such as crowd control or animal deterrence.
2. Controversial Technology in Public Spaces - The deployment of controversial technologies like the Mosquito device raises discussions around ethics, privacy, and the impact on different age groups, presenting opportunities to develop more socially responsible alternatives.
3. Age-based Acoustic Solutions - There is a potential for the development of age-based acoustic solutions that cater to specific age groups, offering customized sound experiences for therapeutic purposes or entertainment venues.
Industry Implications
1. Security and Crowd Control - The security and crowd control industry can explore the integration of high frequency sound devices or other innovative technologies to disperse large groups effectively and maintain public safety.
2. Consumer Electronics - Consumer electronics companies have the chance to develop advanced sound systems or devices that utilize high frequency sound for various applications, such as pest control or personalized audio experiences.
3. Public Health and Wellness - In the public health and wellness sector, there is an opportunity to research and develop age-based sound therapy solutions that aim to improve mental well-being and address age-related hearing difficulties.
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
