Dusseldorf/Wesel district.
Some cities are using jammers against young people. But you have to endure noise in public, says NRW family minister Paul.
NRW Family Minister Josefine Paul (Greens) is skeptical about the attempts by several cities to drive young people away from undesirable meeting places with technical aids in the evening. “The mere displacement of young people from public places is not a solution,” said the Green politician. Young people also have “a right to public space”.
This summer, the city of Gelsenkirchen is testing the use of radar technology to monitor playgrounds and schoolyards. The system sounds an alarm if young people still meet there after 8 p.m. At a playground, the public order office can remotely switch on a flashing light to make the young people uncomfortable.
Noise jammers? “Young people need more public spaces”
A few weeks ago, the “ZDF Magazin Royale” also revealed that ultrasonic devices were used in Kamp-Lintfort, Wesel and other cities to keep young people away from schoolyards with a piercing sound in the evening.
Several cities argue that using such technology helps prevent disturbances and vandalism. Minister Paul takes a critical view of this. “Projects that push young people out of public space with technical means are inappropriate and make young people feel unwanted,” said the family minister. “Young people need more and not fewer public spaces in which they can largely spend their free time in a self-determined manner.”
Also read:Böhmermann: Kamp-Lintfort “didn’t see the explosiveness”
The family minister urges a more intensive dialogue between the city administrations and the young people. “There are good approaches to action from youth work, such as street work or the involvement of nearby youth facilities. Young people have their own interests and they want to be involved.”
(dpa)
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