Research from the Scottish Youth Parliament, Young Scot and the Scottish Government has shown the negative impact that ‘anti-loitering’ mosquito devices have on young people.

The research has prompted calls from SNP MSP Christina McKelvie for them to be banned, following her own successful campaign that saw Scotrail remove the devices from their stations.

The devices, which emit a high pitch frequency in a bid to discourage children from being in the area, were removed by Scotrail following a review which cited a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness.

The latest research found that of those young people who have experienced mosquito devices they reported headaches and migraines, earache and tinnitus, while other negative effects included dizziness, nausea, anxiety and panic attacks.

Commenting, SNP MSP Christina McKelvie said:

“This is welcome research – adding momentum to the campaign to ban mosquito devices across the country.

“Scotrail’s action last year highlighted just how ineffective the devices are – which unfairly target young people in public spaces, and this survey simply confirms this fact.

“As we mark the Year of Young People, it is vital that young people have a say on things that are important to them and that we make progress in ensuring Scotland is the best place in the world to grow up.

“The SNP Government has previously written to local authorities and other key partners to emphasise their strong opposition to the devices.

“With this support from Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, it’s clear that young people across the country are now standing up against mosquito devices – and I hope that companies and councils listen and ban them for good.”