U.S. businesses are starting to use a device that emits an annoying, high-pitched tone that only teenagers and young adults can hear. The gadget -- called "The Mosquito" in Europe, "Kids Be Gone" in the U.S. -- is used to chase them away from stores and other places they gather. (Loiter.)
Businesses are thrilled -- it's helped prevent hooligans from hanging out and causing problems. But some civil-rights group say it isn't fair to discriminate based on age.
Hat Tip: Many thanks, Jewwells P!
Couldn't they accomplish the same by blaring Barry Manilow or John Denver?
Posted by: scott12xu | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Those adults with good hearing (or, if you prefer, undeveloped/unmatured hearing) will be bothered by this, too, I imagine.
Is there any recourse for them?
Posted by: kmb | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:07 AM
I am not in the age range they talk about, but I can still hear the high-pitch shrill and it is VERY annoying.
My only problem is, if the want to spend money at that particular store, does the noise prevent them from entering?
Did to me at a couple of stores, hurt my ear too much.
Posted by: The_Golfer | Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 12:39 PM