Guidance on seeking agreement to participate in research from young children

Abstract

Children of all ages should be active partners in decision making, including decisions on whether to participate in research studies. With appropriate engagement techniques and information material, children as young as two years of age can indicate assent or dissent as part of the ongoing process of agreement to research. This guidance for researchers working with young children includes practical approaches to establishing rapport, checking that the child has understood what involvement in the study means, and ensuring they can signal withdrawal of agreement.