In a report due out this month, the Institute for Public Policy Research is expected to argue that all under-18s should be assessed by children's services before being given an antisocial behaviour order (Asbo).
It is also likely to call for a ban on issuing orders to under-12s, unless they are accompanied by a supportive parenting or family order.
The think-tank believes Asbos can encourage young people to commit more serious crime, by adopting an overly negative attitude.
Paul Cavadino, chief executive of crime reduction charity Nacro, agreed with the findings. "Asbos have a high failure rate because they are an entirely negative approach," he said. "Children are much more likely to be diverted from crime by constructive measures to tackle the causes of their misbehaviour."
