Leisure centres ban mobile camera phones to deter paedophiles

A TRADE body has instructed the country’s leisure centres to ban mobile picture phones amid fears of paedophiles preying on children in swimming pools.

The Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) in Ireland said guidelines were recently issued to 500 local authority and privately-run centres in advance of a decision by a district council in the North to ban mobile phones.

ILAM chief executive Kilian Fisher said: "We are not aware of any specific complaints but, for various reasons, we recommended to our members a ban on mobile phones.

"A number of centres have already taken the advice and I'm fairly optimistic, from the feedback at regional meetings recently, that the recommendation will be fully implemented in due course."

He said that irrespective of the potential risks from camera phones, mobile phones in general were distracting in leisure centres.

However, Coleraine Borough Council formally imposed a ban this week on camera phones at three of its centres Waterworld, Coleraine Leisure Centre and Kilrea sports hall.

A council spokesperson said the decision was taken following a recommendation from Britain's Institute of Sports and Recreation Management consultation with leisure staff at the facilities.

Suggesting there should be greater controls on the use of camera phones, the Children at Risk in Ireland organisation yesterday said a picture phone ban at leisure centres was not an extreme measure.

However, Fianna Fáil's Sean Fleming yesterday called on the Commission for Communications Regulation to examine the possibility of imposing a nationwide ban on camera phones in certain venues.

"In the wrong hands, camera phones could be used as a sick tool," the Laois-Offaly TD said.

"What is most disturbing is that any picture taken can then be released on the internet instantly. Paedophiles can prey anywhere, including swimming pools and leisure centres and we must do all we can to protect our children."

He added: "The decision by the Coleraine council must be commended and adopted here in all leisure centres and swimming pools.

"These places could be seen by paedophiles and perverts as easy targets."

Reacting to the ban, Vodafone Ireland said the company always advises customers to use camera phones in appropriate ways in appropriate situations.