Predators who try to lure children into terrorism, drug trafficking and shoplifting will face stiff penalties if the government backs a bid to change the law.
Former Health Minister Victoria Atkins is leading the charge to make it an offense to attempt to recruit anyone under the age of 18 to engage in criminal activity.
It is hoped this will stop children from working in the drug trade in the provinces or carrying weapons for adults.
Ms Atkins will introduce a bill that would make it an offense to approach a child for such purposes – regardless of whether the child commits the crime.
If an adult tries to prepare a child to commit murder, the adult could be held liable for a life sentence.
She said: “The exploitation of children by criminal gangs is horrific – and must be stopped. This bill will strengthen our laws to ensure that adults who attempt to groom children to participate in their illegal activities face the full weight of the law, with penalties that make it clear that this country will never tolerate such abuse.
“I will continue to work with colleagues 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 strongly supported the bill, saying: “A legal definition of child criminal exploitation would be a huge step forward in protecting our children. It would mean that children and teenagers who are manipulated and coerced into crime are finally 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 co-ordinated approach that helps children at risk to be identified earlier.”
Johnny Bolderson of Catch22, which works to end child exploitation, said: “Tens of thousands of children and young people are criminally exploited every year. 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 the victims are getting younger. We strongly support this bill as part of a series of measures needed to tackle the criminal exploitation of children.
“We know from experience that an offender can spend many months caring for a child before that child undertakes criminal activity on his or her behalf. Stopping that behavior early, and before a crime is committed, must be a positive step.”
Warning of the consequences of children falling under the influence of criminals, he said: “The long-term impact of exploitation and the psychological and physical trauma cannot be underestimated. Exploitation can affect a young person’s education, police record, family and peers.
“They cannot repeat these important years; they only have one childhood. Therefore, in addition to strengthening the law, we also need continued investment in raising awareness about the risks of sexual exploitation among young people, and in educating parents and trusted adults on how to recognize the signs of criminal exploitation and where they can get support.”