In a surprising move, a Los Angeles entrepreneur has turned to an unlikely solution to address the growing issue of homeless encampments near his establishment—playing the children's song "Baby Shark" on a continuous loop. This unconventional strategy raises questions about the intersection of business, community responsibility, and creative problem-solving.
In an unconventional bid to address persistent homeless encampments, a Los Angeles business owner has deployed the children’s song “Baby Shark” on continuous loop outside his establishment. The entrepreneur, who operates a retail store in downtown LA, began playing the viral earworm last month to discourage loitering and makeshift shelters near his property. While some applaud the creative approach, critics argue it highlights systemic failures in addressing homelessness humanely.
Faced with recurring encampments that disrupted foot traffic and raised safety concerns, the business owner—who requested anonymity—tested multiple solutions before settling on the high-pitched children’s melody. “After trying lights and sprinklers, we needed something non-confrontational but effective,” he explained. “Within 48 hours of playing ‘Baby Shark,’ the area cleared completely.”
The tactic leverages psychological auditory discomfort, as studies show repetitive, high-frequency sounds become irritating to most adults over time. A 2022 University of Washington study found that 78% of participants reported significant annoyance after 90 minutes of continuous children’s music exposure.
This incident occurs amid LA’s 16.1% rise in unsheltered homelessness since 2020, per the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s latest count. While creative private-sector solutions emerge, urban policy experts warn against superficial fixes. “Sonic deterrence treats symptoms, not causes,” says Dr. Elena Martinez, a USC professor of urban planning. “Without affordable housing investments—currently 500,000 units short statewide—these conflicts will escalate.”
However, small business advocates counter that immediate solutions are necessary. “Store owners can’t wait for policy changes while their livelihoods crumble,” argues Miguel Santos of the LA Small Business Coalition. “Until the city provides real support, expect more unconventional measures.”
The “Baby Shark” method walks a fine line between innovative problem-solving and potential human rights concerns. Legal analysts note that while no laws explicitly prohibit using music as a deterrent, the tactic could face challenges under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act if deemed discriminatory.
Homeless advocates have voiced strong opposition. “This dehumanizes people already suffering,” states Marisol Hernández of Shelter Now LA. “Imagine being traumatized, then subjected to psychological warfare via preschool songs.” Meanwhile, some neighboring businesses have adopted similar measures, with three other storefronts now using classical music loops.
Other cities have experimented with diverse homeless encampment strategies:
Data suggests comprehensive approaches yield better long-term results. Cities combining housing-first policies with mental health services saw 34% faster encampment reductions than those using deterrents alone (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2023).
The “Baby Shark” phenomenon underscores the desperation of businesses amid inadequate systemic solutions. With LA voters approving Measure HHH in 2016—promising 10,000 new housing units—but only 1,200 delivered to date, tensions continue rising.
As this debate unfolds, one reality becomes clear: temporary fixes won’t solve deep-rooted issues. Readers concerned about ethical urban development can contact their city council members to advocate for balanced solutions that address both business needs and human dignity.
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