PUPILS HIJACK 'TEEN BUZZ'
A Hi-tech alarm which uses "ultra high sound" to drive teenage yobs from shopping centres has been hijacked to create inaudible classroom ringtones. Techno-savvy pupils are using mobile phones in class by creating ringtones adults cannot hear.

British firm Compound Security has been praised by the police for its Mosquito device, developed to stop teenage gangs hanging around outside shops.

Once installed on a building, it emits a high-pitched sound, like a constant insect buzzing. It cannot be heard by most people over the age of 20 but is deeply irritating to teenagers.

Now youngsters have made highpitched recordings which allow them to send text messages in class unheard.

Known as "Teen Buzz", it is spread from phone to phone via text message and blue tooth technology.

Howard Stapleton, managing director of Compound Security, said he was "amazed" by the children's creativity.

He said: "I think it is a bit of a giggle.

The idea of doing this myself crossed my mind when I came up with the Mosquito. In the end, after discussing it at length, I decided it was something that could be too disruptive." He said the Mosquito emits a modulated 17khz sound whereas the mobile ringtone is a constant 14.4khz tone.

"This is the result of an astute teenager with a laptop, " said Mr Stapleton.

"A teacher would only be able to hear the sound from a metre away."

Author -
Publication Western Daily Press (Bristol)
Date 24 May 2006
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