'Sperm milkshakes with poo sprinkles': The challenges of identifying family meals practices through an online survey with adolescents

Abstract

This article contributes to a long-overdue discussion about research with adolescents. While young people are now recognised as competent and reliable participants, there are particular difficulties associated with using adolescents as respondents. Furthermore, it is rare for young people's reactions to the research process to be heard. This article reports on some of the methodological challenges faced in designing and administering a Web-based survey to 15-year-old school students in Perth, Western Australia, in an attempt to gain insight into meals practices and beliefs among adolescents and their families. Using empirical data, we discuss issues concerning the competence of adolescents to participate in social research. We conclude that using a Web-based survey actively facilitates high levels of adolescent engagement in the research process, allowing them to be both subject and object of the research. © 2008 Taylor & Francis.