Athletes as young as 12 are using performance enhancing drugs in the hopes of emulating their idols, research shows.

A study of more than 900 junior athletes by Griffith University and the University of Canberra has revealed four per cent of those surveyed have taken performance or image enhancing drugs.

Young athletes are also more likely than their adult counterparts to think doping is common among sporting stars.

Almost five per cent of junior athletes say they have been offered performance enhancing drugs.

More than 10 per cent believe their competitors are also doping.

University of Canberra associate psychology professor Stephen Moston says more young athletes should be drug tested and taught about the risks of doping.

“Given that young athletes are rarely subject to anti-doping testing, the potential increase of drug use is largely going unchecked,” he said.

Many young athletes are also using nutritional supplements but have unrealistic expectations about their benefits, Professor Moston says.