May 12 2005
“Happy Slapping” caught on camera phones
The Guardian describes Happy Slapping as:
“a youth craze in which groups of teenagers armed with camera phones slap or mug unsuspecting children or passersby while capturing the attacks on 3g technology”
“In most cases the worst that happens is a minor scratch or a bruised ego,” she said.
“What the people behind these attacks have to understand is that technically they are committing an assault. And if they then upload the images on to the internet or a phone system they could be prosecuted for harassment.”
Earlier this year, schools in Lewisham, south London, and St Albans banned camera phones because of worries that the fad was leading to an increase in playground bullying.
The Mobile Technology Website suggests that ‘Tango’ advertisement series is part of the inspiration for this behaviour.
Today’s times reports that Blair backs a Ban on wearing ‘baseball caps’ and ‘hoodies’ within Britian largest indoor shopping center - to stop youths hiding their identity while happy slapping…
I’ll certainly be ducking next time someone in the UK points their Camera phone at me…
Wendy
“Happy Slapping” caught on camera phones
