National Statement on Ethical
Conduct in Research Involving Humans
Part 4 - Research Involving Children and Young People
4.1 Research is essential to advance knowledge about children's and young peoples' well-being but research involving children and young people (see Appendix 3 for definitions) should only be conducted where:
(a) the research question posed is important to the health and well-being of children or young people;
(b) the participation of children or young people is indispensable because information available from research on other individuals cannot answer the question posed in relation to children or young people;
(c) the study method is appropriate for children or young people; and
(d) the circumstances in which the research is conducted provide for the physical, emotional and psychological safety of the child or young person.
4.2 Consent to a child's or young person's participation in research must be obtained from:
(a) the child or young person whenever he or she has sufficient competence to make this decision; and either
(b) the parents/guardian in all but exceptional circumstances; or
(c) any organisation or person required by law.
4.3 An HREC must not approve, and consent cannot be given for, research which is contrary to the child's or young person's best interests.
4.4 A child's or young person's refusal to participate in a research project must be respected.
[Preamble] [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6]
[Part 7] [Part 8] [Part 9] [Part 10] [Part 11] [Part 12] [Part 13]
[Part 14] [Part 15] [Part 16] [Part 17] [Part 18] [Part 19]
[Appendix 1] [Appendix 2] [Appendix 3]