Predators who try to lure children into terrorism, drug dealing and shoplifting will face heavy sentences if the Government gets behind a bid to change the law.
Former Health Secretary Victoria Atkins is leading the charge to make it an offence to attempt to recruit any under-18 into criminal activity.
It is hoped this will stop children working in the county lines drug trade or carrying weapons for adults.
Ms Atkins will introduce a draft law that would make it an offence to approach a child for such purposes – regardless of whether the child commits the crime.
If an adult tries to groom a child to commit murder the grown-up would be liable for life in prison.
She said: “The exploitation of children by criminal gangs is heinous – and must be stopped. This Bill will toughen up our laws to make sure those adults seeking to groom children to take part in their illegal activities face the full weight of the law, with sentences that make clear this country will never tolerate such abuse.
“I will continue to work with colleagues from across the House to give the police and the courts the powers they need to protect our children and young people.”
The Children’s Society gave strong support to the Bill, saying: “A statutory definition of child criminal exploitation would be a huge step forward in protecting our children. It would mean that, finally, kids and teenagers who are manipulated and coerced into crime are seen for what they are – victims, not criminals.”
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza said she would “welcome any legislation”, adding: “I would like to see high-quality youth services embedded in the community and a coordinated approach that helps identify children at risk earlier.”
Johnny Bolderson of Catch22, which works to stop the exploitation of children, said: “Every year, tens of thousands of children and young people are criminally exploited. According to the British Transport Police, one in five teenage boys say they or their friends have been offered work by criminal gangs.
“The problem is growing and victims are becoming younger and younger. We very much support this Bill as one of a series of measures required to tackle child criminal exploitation.
“We know from experience that a perpetrator may spend many months grooming a child before that child goes on to undertake criminal activity on their behalf. Stopping that behaviour early, and before a crime is committed, has to be a positive step.”
Warning of the consequences of children coming under criminals’ influence, he said: “The long-term impact of being exploited, the psychological and physical trauma, cannot be underestimated. A young person can have their education, police record, family and peer relationships impacted by exploitation.
“They cannot replay these important years; they only have one childhood. That’s why alongside tightening up the law, we also need continued investment in awareness raising of the risk of grooming amongst young people, and education for parents and trusted adults on how to spot the signs of criminal exploitation and where to get support.”
