Young girls are joining violent gangs

London: Girls as young as seven are joining gangs to carry drugs and weapons for group "elders" as a culture of youth violence spreads to primary schools, ministers warned on Wednesday.

Children recruited to some London gangs known as "tinys" or "youngers" must also complete initiation rituals, which can include the rape or even murder of rival gang members, according to a report.

Growing numbers of younger children are believed to be joining gangs to win respect and recognition from their peers, the report said.

The picture of a worsening gang culture emerged as ministers called on teachers and social workers to watch for signs that children are being lured into violence.

New guidance for youth and social workers warned that there had been a "noticeable and significant" lowering of the age of recognised gang members.

It continues: "Anecdotally, it seems that some children, including girls, who claim gang affiliation are as young as seven and eight years old. It is more common for 'youngers' or 'tinys' to be in their early teens, and their role is often to carry weapons, drugs or stolen property for 'elders' or other gang members.

"They may also engage in street crime, sexual assault and other anti-social behaviour in their own right."

The report gave a graphic account of life as a member of one of London's street gangs.

While not every gang is involved in the same activities, some use initiation rituals or "transactional sex", with sisters and female cousins of older gang members at particular risk of exploitation.

Children's minister Beverley Hughes urged professionals working with young people to be alert to risk factors that could lead to gang affiliation.

These include being expelled from school, behaving violently towards others and drug or alcohol abuse.

- Evening Standard