Sydney child bride problem reportedly rife

A growing number of Sydney girls, some as young as nine, are reportedly being taken overseas and forced to become child brides.

More than 70 cases have been reported to the government-run child protection helpline over the past two years, the Daily Telegraph says.

Most of the tip-offs have come from teachers, counsellors and school principals.

NSW Family and Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard has told the paper the "barbaric and cruel" practice has prompted him to call on the federal government to take action.

Mr Hazzard also says religious imams need to be involved in educating their local communities about the issue.