Citation

Hughes T, Helling MK. Early Child Res. Q. 1991; 6(2): 225-232.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0885-2006(91)90009-A

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Researchers of young children have historically relied on proxy consent from parents as a substitute for obtaining informed consent from children. However, proxy consent does not fully meet the requirements of informed consent. Because children are capable of giving a degree of informed consent, subject to developmental restrictions, researchers concerned with ethical treatment of young children can take steps to ensure that the rights of children are honored. Strategies researchers can use to help young children understand the research process and be better able to give informed consent are discussed.