The need to protect children when they are involved in research is self-evident, but it has taken a relatively long time to translate this notion into policy and practice. The history of research endeavour includes many unethical practices involving children – from intrusive and invasive procedures, to the over-investigation of some populations. Organisations caring for children sometimes regarded them as a ready source of research data with little regard to the ethical issues involved. The voices of children were rarely heard in research and their potential to contribute to its development ignored.

The aim of this guidance paper is to advise on good practice principles for undertaking research with children. Part of this project has been the development of rigorous ethical procedures to both protect children and facilitate their participation in the research process.