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June 12, 2006
Ringtone redemption
You may remember some publicity last year about a device that had been designed to prevent young people congregating together in public places. The gadget in question was basically a PA system that broadcast a mosquito type whine that was too high pitched for adults to hear BUT drove teenagers crazy as they could hear it perfectly. I don't think I even commented on the story as I was so insensed that our society could view/treat the next generation like vermin rather than fellow human beings.
Teenagers being infinitely resourceful though have found a way of redeeming for their own benefit an aspect of this equipment. A bunch of teenagers sussed out that if Adults can't hear this sound then its PERFECT for a ringtone. Canny teenagers have been using the high pitched sound as a ring tone thus enabling texts and calls to be noted while in class, the teachers obvioulsy remaining unaware. GENIUS!
ht to youthwork mag' for unearthing this one
Posted by ian at June 12, 2006 10:36 AM
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Comments
I heard on the news last week about some where (I think it was abroad somewhere like Australia) where they were going to start piping Barry Manilow into a car park area at night to try and deter the youth from hanging out, personally I think now the high pitched buzzing doesn’t sound so cruel!
Posted by: Simo at June 12, 2006 03:39 PM
someone emailed a sound file of the high pitch noise that eminates from the mosquito deviceto me today...when I played it I was expecting to hear nothing, but I was wrong...boy does it really really hurt!
Some kids have recorded them onto their phones to trick teachers (who can't hear the noise) to pick up phone calls in class! I am not the sure the pain is worth getting one over the teachers, but ingenious all the same!
Posted by: Phil G at June 12, 2006 11:10 PM
someone emailed a sound file of the high pitch noise that eminates from the mosquito deviceto me today...when I played it I was expecting to hear nothing, but I was wrong...boy does it really really hurt!
Some kids have recorded them onto their phones to trick teachers (who can't hear the noise) to pick up phone calls in class! I am not the sure the pain is worth getting one over the teachers, but ingenious all the same!
Posted by: Phil G at June 12, 2006 11:10 PM
I thought it was supposed to only be audible to those whipper snapper types under 25?? Both me and my hubby can hear it - maybe working with teenagers really does keep you young! (though as my Hubby is a teacher he'll be annoyed if any of his kids use it as a ring tone!)
Posted by: max at June 13, 2006 10:05 AM