Themes

Consent and assent for research on children

What is this about?

Consent and assent are essential ethical requirements in research involving children. Because children are considered a vulnerable population and often cannot legally provide informed consent, permission must be obtained from parents or legal guardians. In addition, children should provide assent appropriate to their age and level of understanding. This process respects children’s developing autonomy while ensuring their protection and voluntary participation in research. Researchers must communicate information clearly and allow children the right to refuse or withdraw.

Why is this important?

Since children are considered vulnerable population, it is important that parental consent is obtained for research. That consent ensures understanding of purpose, procedures and potential risks/benefits of the study, while children's assent respects their autonomy.

For whom is this important?

Doctoral StudentHealth Care ProfessionalResearch Supervisor / MentorResearcher

What are the best practices?

Explain the research to both parents and children using clear, age-appropriate language so they can understand what participation involves.
Obtain informed consent from parents or legal guardians before including a child in a study.
Seek the child’s assent whenever the child is capable of understanding the research.
Respect the child's refusal.

In Detail

Explain the research to both parents and children using clear, age-appropriate language so they can understand what participation involves.

Researchers should provide information about the purpose of the study, procedures, potential risks, and benefits in a way that is understandable to both parents and children. For children, explanations should be adapted to their age, maturity, and level of comprehension. Using simple language, examples, or visual materials can help children better understand what participation means and what will happen during the study.

Obtain informed consent from parents or legal guardians before including a child in a study.

Because children usually cannot legally provide full informed consent, researchers must obtain permission from parents or legal guardians before enrolling a child in research. Parents should receive clear and complete information about the study so they can make an informed decision about whether participation is appropriate and safe for their child. The consent process should be voluntary and allow parents enough time to ask questions and consider their decision.

Seek the child’s assent whenever the child is capable of understanding the research.

In addition to parental consent, children who are able to understand the research should be asked for their assent. This means the child is informed about the study in an appropriate way and given the opportunity to agree or decline participation. Seeking assent respects the child’s developing autonomy and encourages their active involvement in decisions that affect them. Even if parents provide consent, the child’s willingness to participate should always be considered and respected.

Alexander Gesinn, , contributed to this theme. Latest contribution was Mar 09, 2026

Other information

Good Practices & Misconduct

Research Area

LS 07.11 - Medical ethics