Children are being “dehumanised” by the use of a “Mosquito” device in Tarxien to disperse rowdy youngsters, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Children.

I understand young people need somewhere to go and have fun, but we need sleep

“The device degrades children and youths to the undignified status of pests that need to be controlled, as the device’s commercial name very clearly and succinctly suggests,” a commission spokesman told The Sunday Times.

“This dehumanisation of children and youths is simply unacceptable, no matter how disturbing their behaviour can be.”

The device was installed in Ovindoli Garden by Tarxien council several months ago to disperse noisy youths who congregated in the area.

It works by emitting a very high-pitched noise, which is irritating and uncomfortable for children and youngsters, but generally can not be heard by people over 25.

The Office for the Commissioner of Children said a device which only targeted a certain age group was discriminatory.

“Even if it were morally and legally permissible to use such a device in the interest of public order, no device should only target children and youths,” the spokesman said.

The office also raised concerns about the as yet unsubstantiated health risks linked to the device.

“While it is true that neighbours have a right to be protected from anything that disturbs their peace, their rights should not override the rights of children and youths to be protected from the possible ill-effects on their health,” the spokesman said.

But one local resident who spoke to The Sunday Times on condition of anonymity said that while the Mosquito may not be the ideal solution, anti-social behaviour in Ovindoli Garden had become intolerable.

“It was like Chinese water torture – we would just be falling asleep when suddenly the noise from youngsters would start. It could be 2 a.m. or even 4 a.m.

“It was impossible to relax because we knew we could be woken up at any moment,” said the resident.

The garden has been a popular hangout for youngsters since it opened.

“Young people need somewhere to go and have fun, but we need sleep,” said the resident, who moved mattresses into his washroom to escape the noise.

So far this year the noise problems have not been as bad. The resident suspects this may be because the youngsters understand they need to keep the noise down or they will be driven away by the Mosquito.

Tarxien council said the Mosquito device has been used “several times”.

It is operated by a resident in the neighbourhood watch scheme.