happy slapping?

The use of mobile phone video for recording bullying and teasing, by either viewing of the recorded footage sent through the phone network or email circulation of the downloaded file. Amongst kids it has become so common that many teachers are considering banning mobiles in schools to try and prevent it.

Does this mean that they become emotionally remote from the aggression they are involved in? Taken to extremes a case reported by the BBC suggests that this tactic can reveal some not very 'happy' aspects of it's use. Three teenagers were convicted for the killing of a stranger, a crime which they apparrently carried out inspired by the recording of violent acts. The BBC reported that " During the trial it was reported that the gang were addicted to 'happy slapping' , the act of carrying out an attack and filming it on a mobile phone".
In passing sentence the Judge made the following observation " It seems that the three of you had been on previous expeditions and had become obsessed with the activity of catching people unawares, assaulting them and filming it for your later gratification'

On a positive note it shows great promise for the use of video on mobile phones, with hopefully creative and educational applications arising out of the familiarity and ease of use of such technology.
see Futurelab