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The child's right to participate in research: myth or misconception?

Jill E John1

  • 1School of Health Science, Child Health Team, University of Wales, Swansea.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|March 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children’s rights and the sociology of childhood emphasize their participation in research. Innovative methods like action research and focus groups are recommended for evidence-based healthcare decisions involving children.

Area of Science:

  • Childhood Studies
  • Sociology
  • Healthcare Research

Background:

  • The "children's rights" agenda, spurred by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989), promotes child participation.
  • The sociology of childhood highlights children's active role in constructing their lives, including healthcare and education.
  • Current NHS focus on evidence-based care necessitates research *with* children, not just *on* them.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To advocate for the inclusion of children's perspectives in research.
  • To emphasize the importance of children's active participation in healthcare and clinical decisions.
  • To recommend innovative research methodologies for studies involving children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) framework.
  • Analysis of sociological perspectives on childhood.
  • Identification of innovative research methodologies such as action research and focus groups.

Main Results:

  • Growing acceptance of children's participation in research and decision-making.
  • UNCRC provides a framework for national policies protecting children's rights.
  • Children utilize unrecognized skills to negotiate their healthcare, education, and social welfare.

Conclusions:

  • Future research with children should incorporate innovative methodologies.
  • Action research and focus groups can enable children to actively share their unique perspectives.
  • Evidence-based healthcare decisions require incorporating research conducted *with* children.

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