The development of research with children highlights a number of ethical
issues for the research process concerning consent, confidentiality and protection
from harm. This article aims to analyse the extent to which these issues have been
considered within the published guidance for research involving children. Several
key principles emerged: there is consensus that it is unethical not to conduct
research with children; consent should be obtained from both the child and the
parent or guardian; where the child does not have sufficient understanding of what
is involved and the implications of such involvement, the assent of the child should
be sought; children involved in research should be made aware that, where
information concerning risks to themselves or others emerges, confidentiality cannot
be guaranteed; and finally researchers must consider the potential impact of
research participation on the child, building methods of providing support to
children into the research proposal.
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Alderson, P.
(2000)
‘The Rise and Fall of Children’s Consent to Surgery’
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Children and Young People.
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British Paediatric Association Ethics Advisory Committee
(1992)
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Broome, M.E.
and
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Christensen, P.H.
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Department of Health
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People.
London: Department of Health
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London: Department of Health
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