SNP conference calls for 'mosquito' device ban

SNP delegates today called for a total ban on the use of 'mosquito' devices.

The gadgets give off a high pitched noise, which is outside the hearing range of those aged over 25. And they have been used in some places in a bid to stop youngsters hanging around in areas where anti-social behaviour is a problem.

Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Kathleen Marshall, has already spoken out against the devices.

Today delegates at the SNP's spring conference in Edinburgh backed a resolution calling for a total ban on them, which argued the devices were an infringement of young people's human rights and using them was a "discriminatory and degrading practice against children and young persons".

Councillor Callum McCaig, of Aberdeen City Council, said that the device could be heard by all young people under the age of 25.

He argued: "I don't feel it's an appropriate measure to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour.

"It is effectively targeting somewhere in the region of a quarter of our population and I don't think that's right."

His call was backed by Central Scotland MSP Jamie Hepburn, who told the conference: "I know there is a temptation to vilify all young people as the source of trouble."

But he insisted the vast majority of youngsters were responsible citizens. And he said: "These mosquito devices don't recognise that fact and that for me is a fundamental erosion of young people's human rights."