Today we witness many novel noise sources during the recital of Haman. In most cases, mature adults make more noise than the children. The poskim mention that people are so busy with what kind of noise they are going to make that they lose focus of the entire Megillah and are not yotzei with the recital of the Megillah. In addition, one should avoid any dangerous items (such as firecrackers).
Noise which is getting out of hand during the reading of the Megillah should be stopped. It is a good idea to limit the duration of the noise, and one should be appointed to make sure that the congregants adhere to these guidelines.
In addition, since the point of making noise is to embarrass the wicked Haman, one should not make noises which give him honor such as a long melody.
Children and Dangerous Noises
Children often play with firecrackers before and during the Megillah. This is dangerous and a lack of proper decorum for a shul, and this practice should be stopped. Parents should not let their children play with these items.
