How to meaningfully involve children in research?

When doing research on children, scientists mainly focus on gathering information from adults, parents, guardians, teachers, and others. But a new approach called “child participatory research”, suggests the active involvement of children so that their views, experiences, ways of thinking can be gathered directly. However, not every such research will be significant, detailed methodological and ethical preparations are needed.

Model of children's participation in research

There are three models of children's direct involvement in research: as consultants, as collaborators, and as the research owners or lead researchers. Children can make recommendations that will help researchers make important decisions, or participate even more actively through the choice of research direction or participation in the choice of methods and other important things. Finally, children can conduct research in support of adults. 

Designing appropriate and ethical research methods 

Researchers must adhere to ethical principles, and seven main ones have been singled out in working with children, such as respect, non-maleficence and beneficence, justice, best interests of the child and some others. Privacy rules must be respected and potential negative effects minimized. 

Why should children participate meaningfully in research?

Children are best able to present their experiences and perspectives. No one can do it better than themselves. This is the meaning of the right to participation as one of the most important in the Convention on the First Child. Their active participation can also help develop social and other useful skills.

Potential risks when involving children in research 

Risks exist primarily when sensitive topics such as violence, crime and so on are explored. Children are more sensitive than adults and special attention should be paid to drawing up a detailed plan and risk assessment in case of unforeseen circumstances.