Opinion: In my view - This buzz needs banning
Sir Al Aynsley-Green, Children's Commissioner for England
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
This month, the group 11 MILLION, together with Liberty, the National Youth Agency and a group of young people from Corby, launched the BUZZ OFF campaign, to call for an end to the use of ultrasonic dispersal devices used by various business and local authorities. The device, of which there are an estimated 3,500 in use across the country, emits a high-pitched sound only audible to those under 25, including babies and toddlers.
These devices are a worrying symptom of the growing demonisation of children, because they are indiscriminate and target all children, regardless of whether they are misbehaving.
I have spoken to parents and carers of very young children, who were at a loss to understand why their babies and young children were so distressed in certain locations. It transpired that they had been standing in the vicinity of one of these so called 'teen deterrents'. Surely this is not the way a civilised society should be treating its young? I am not excusing anti-social behaviour. But there must be better solutions than this.
The young people I am working with on this campaign tell me they are just as intimidated by anti-social behaviour as anyone. They want to feel safe on the streets and to be respected for the positive contribution they make to their communities. The same young people tell me they want to see communities working together to make our streets safer, to foster a greater understanding between generations and to bring an end to the suspicion and fear of young people that exists in this country.
It is my hope that the campaign will provoke a debate by reaching out to parents, teachers, the police, local authorities, MPs and business leaders and encouraging them to look hard at the way our society views children and young people.
To find out more or support the campaign, go to www.buzzoffcampaign.com, e-mail buzz.off@11MILLION.org.uk or phone 08448009113.
