To engage or not to engage?
If you work in research, you’ve likely had a moment where you’ve contemplated whether to include the hard-to-reach under 18 population in your sample. They can provide rich and valuable insights, yet their participation comes with navigating some extra ethical considerations.
Imagine you’re planning in-depth interviews with young people about the topic of online safety and you’re weighing up whether to engage with a sample of young people aged 14-24 or opt for a sample of those aged 18-24.
The latter option may seem far simpler; you still get to hear from young people but avoid the ethical challenges we all associate with conducting research with children, such as obtaining parental consent and additional safeguarding protocols.
But here’s the catch: by excluding 14- to 17-year-olds, you risk missing out on a key perspective that shapes your research findings.
Ethics do not need to be a barrier…
Thankfully research with children doesn’t need to involve a daunting ethical procedure that deters you from engaging with them. On the contrary, it's vital that children are involved in discussions about issues that affect them and that their ideas are listened to.
Here is a recent example that shows how this can work in practice.
Childhood in Essex
One project I worked on this year was an in-depth qualitative piece - Childhood in Essex. Unsurprisingly this work was reliant on engaging directly with children as it sought to uncover:
- The everyday realities young people are facing today.
- The key changes in childhood compared to previous generations.
In order to conduct this research, we utilised an online digital community which mimicked social media. This allowed young people to express themselves in ways that felt natural—through posts, photos, collages, and even videos. We explored everything from how they spend their time, their hopes for their future, what worries they may be facing and the people that matter most to them.
Gaining parental consent was essential—but rather than this acting as barrier to participation, it actually acted as a bridge. Many parents chose to join the digital community alongside their children, turning participation into a shared family experience. Having parents actively involved in the research meant they could offer additional support to their child, guide them through activities, and explain anything that felt unclear.
Before taking part, both parents and children were fully informed about what to expect, and a quick onboarding call helped ensure everyone felt comfortable and confident.
For this project, hearing first hand about children’s experiences was crucial to its success. It allowed decision makers to step into the shoes of young people and truly understand their perspectives. A reminder that taking the time to ethically engage with children pays off as it can deliver insights that drive meaningful change.
Key takeaways
When researching with children, the priorities are clear: make sure they feel informed, comfortable, and supported every step of the way.
This means being open about what’s expected, ensuring participation is always voluntary, addressing consent thoughtfully, following robust safeguarding practices and making sure they have access to appropriate support and a trusted adult.
So next time you’re considering whether to engage with under 18s, remember that when done right research with children isn’t something to shy away from—it’s an opportunity to amplify their voices and shape decisions that truly reflect their needs.
To read more about Childhood in Essex please find the full set of reports here.
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