Consent and Assent for Research on Children
From The Embassy of Good Science
Revision as of 21:53, 8 March 2025 by 0009-0001-2319-1749 (talk | contribs)
ThemesConsent and Assent for Research on Children
What is this about?
This page addresses the ethical framework surrounding informed consent and assent in research involving children. It explores the processes by which researchers obtain permission from parents or guardians (consent) and the agreement from children (assent) to participate in research studies. It emphasizes the importance of respecting children's rights, autonomy, and developmental capacity during these processes.
Why is this important?
Obtaining consent and assent is vital for several reasons:
- Ethical Obligations: Protecting the welfare and rights of child participants is a fundamental ethical requirement in research.
- Vulnerability: Children are considered a vulnerable population, and specific safeguards must be in place to protect them from potential harm or exploitation.
- Trust: Transparent communication and ethical practices foster trust between researchers, participants, and families, which is crucial for successful research outcomes.
- Compliance: Adhering to ethical guidelines and legal requirements helps researchers avoid legal repercussions and enhances the credibility of their research.
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
Best Practices for Ethical Research with Children
- Use child-friendly language – Explain the study in a way the child can understand.
- Provide visual aids – Diagrams, videos, or interactive materials can help comprehension.
- Offer the right to say no – Children should know they can refuse participation without consequences.
- Train researchers – Ensure that study personnel understand ethical considerations in pediatric research.
- Ensure ongoing consent – Regularly check with both parents and children throughout the study.
In Detail
- Process of Obtaining Consent and Assent: Outline the steps for obtaining consent from parents or guardians and assent from children, including documentation and verbal explanations.
- Cultural Considerations: Discuss the impact of cultural values on parental consent and children's autonomy, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive practices.
- Researcher Training: Provide guidance for researchers on effective communication strategies when discussing research with children and their families.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Suggest methods for monitoring the consent and assent process, including feedback mechanisms to address any concerns that arise during the study.
contributed to this theme. Latest contribution was Mar 08, 2025
