Ethical guidelines for human research on children and adolescents: A narrative review study

Abstract

The implementation of human research involving children and adolescents necessitates a nuanced understanding of the distinct ethical complexities and sensitivities that arise. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of ethical guidelines for research with these populations by extensively examining existing standards and applied studies. The review revealed a myriad of challenges inherent in the involvement of children and adolescents as research subjects. The most important ethical challenges relate to the principles of bioethics and their compliance with human studies involving children/adolescents, informed consent, and risk assessment in studies on children/adolescents. To facilitate appropriate participation of youth in research endeavors, meticulous planning is required, in conjunction with a re‑examination of the definitions of ethical principles in pediatric research, close monitoring of potential risks and benefits, and the utilization of a combination of innovative and traditional approaches to obtain informed consent that adheres to ethical standards. Performing research with children and adolescents requires special considerations to address the unique ethical issues that can emerge. By adhering to ethical guidelines tailored specifically to these vulnerable populations, researchers can help ensure that studies are conducted in an appropriate and responsible manner.