Children and adolescents’ voices and the implications for ethical research

This paper examines how children and adolescents can meaningfully participate in research by voicing their perspectives. Researchers from eight countries discussed ethical barriers that prevent young people from being heard in research. The study found that current ethical regulations often prioritize protecting children from harm but neglect their right to participate and have autonomy. The authors call for reforms that give children a stronger role in shaping research that affects them.

Key points

• Twenty-one researchers from eight countries identified barriers to including children's voices in research
• Current ethical regulations tend to emphasize child protection over empowerment and autonomy
• Research Ethics Committees need clarification on their role in facilitating child participation
• Reform of ethical regulations is needed to enable greater and more meaningful participation of children and adolescents
• A paradigm shift is required to balance protection with meaningful engagement of young people

Limitations

This is a qualitative study of researchers' perspectives on ethical barriers, not an evaluation of how children actually experience or benefit from research participation. It does not measure outcomes for children or test interventions to improve participation.