Calls to ban mosquito devices from schools

Local authority reviewing use of ‘callous’ machines to disperse groups of youths

Young politicians are calling for “callous” mosquito boxes to be removed from schools across Perth and Kinross.

The devices, which emit a high frequency noise which only under-25s can hear, are used to disperse teenage gangs. Local council bosses have confirmed that there are eight machines at schools across the region.

Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament are now calling for the controversial mosquito devices to be axed.

Education chief Sheena Devlin has come under pressure to remove all the devices, which opponents claim are against children’s rights.

Perth and Kinross Council confirmed it was reviewing the use of such devices.

Council chiefs are under mounting pressure to remove “cruel and callous” mosquito alarms from schools across Perth and Kinross.

Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament are calling for the devices, which emit a high-pitched whining noise that only under-25s can hear, to be banned.

The local authority has revealed it has eight mosquito boxes attached to school buildings, but has declined to say where they are. It is understood one was fitted at Luncarty Primary.

They are used to prevent youngsters hanging about at schools after dark and cut down on anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Many other Scottish councils have already removed their boxes and a spokeswoman said the devices are now under review.

Robert McCall, a member of the youth parliament for Perthshire North, wrote to Perth and Kinross Council demanding all alarms should be taken down.

“I am personally shocked that they are used in schools, as they are inherently discriminatory and cruel,” he said.

Mr McCall said he had approached the council’s education director, Sheena Devlin. “She has assured me she is considering the use of such devices,” he said.

Fellow youth parliamentarian Sam Waite said: “Mosquito devices are cruel and callous and have no place in Scotland. They discriminate against young people and ignore the premise of individual accountability.

“We are lagging behind other local authority areas and this should be rectified as soon as possible.”

Fraser Macdonald, a youth parliament member for Perthshire South and Kinross, added: “Discrimination against someone on the basis of age is illegal under the Equality Act 2010, therefore any use of these devices is illegal, regardless of whether or not they are in a private shop, or a park.

“Furthermore, there is no solid evidence these devices actually combat anti-social behaviour. They only lead to resentment and annoyance, which is more likely to cause the sort of behaviour they are trying to deter.”

A council spokeswoman said: “The council’s property services team are aware of eight devices which have been installed on school premises to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour out of hours. Their continued use is currently being reviewed.”

There is no solid evidence these devices actually combat antisocial behaviour. YOUTH PARLIAMENT MEMBER FRASER MACDONALD

The mosquito alarms can only be heard by under-25s and emit a high-pitched whining noise.