Penalty notices for disorder (PNDs) can be issued for a variety of low-level offences as an alternative to formal action.
Latest figures show that 19,246 PNDs were handed out to 16- and 17-year-olds in 2007 across England and Wales.
Under current laws they cannot be handed to children under 16, although a pilot programme for 10- to 15-year-olds has been staged in seven police force areas.
Chris Stanley, a member of the Magistrates' Association youth courts committee, told CYP Now there are concerns that PNDs are being used too much.
"Sometimes young people come to court with a whole batch of pre-court disposals," he said.
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