Victorian police criticised for using capsicum spray on children

Victoria's Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary has reportedly expressed concern over figures that show police have used capsicum spray against nearly 100 children under 15 in the past three years.

Between 2011 and August 2014, police used the spray against 90 children, some of whom were armed, News Corp has reported.

However, concerns have been raised that police have also used it against children who were simply being disobedient.

Among the cases being questioned is that of a 13-year-old girl who was sprayed after she locked herself in a Department of Human Services bathroom.

She injured her arms and legs against the walls in her distress, but officers sprayed her again before taking her to the hospital.

Two 11-year-olds were also sprayed - a girl after she tried to throw a chair at an officer in an interrogation room, and a boy after he became verbally aggressive.

Police have no guidelines in place for the use of capsicum spray on children.

Mr Geary said he was concerned by the figures and he hoped police were not using the sprays as a first, second or third resort.

"We are talking about children and it is important people understand that," he said.

"Imagine a child — and spraying them with a substance if you can’t get your way with them."

However, Superintendent David Clayton said more young people were growing prepared to use violence against police, whether sober or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.