Parent and adolescent views of risk behavior research and consent

Ethical Review and Children's Research in Ireland

“…If the informed consent process for research requires involvement of both parents and teenagers, it will need to be discussed with both parties what type of information might be shared with parents or guardians and what will remain strictly confidential. There is evidence that in research concerning sensitive areas, expectations about disclosure from both parties might differ significantly from existing policies and the researcher needs to clarify these in advance (Lyren et al, 2004 andPasternak et al, 2005). In research on services, possible limitations of confidentiality need to be considered carefully, including the issue of the danger of discouraging teenagers from accessing important health services (Jackson and hafemeister, 2001) and the question of how to deal with the fact that research may accidentally uncover, or even directly address, teenagers' behaviour that is illegal (Moolchan and Mermelstein, 2002).…”

Ethical Issues in School-Based Research

“…A further complication can arise if the researcher is expected by parents or teachers to communicate information relating to children' s experiences or well-being. It is well established that misconceptions about the scope of confidentiality are widespread [30][31][32][33]. Those involved in research activities within the school setting might be perceived to have the same obligations as school staff, including the communication of any concerns relating children' s well-being to parents and appropriate staff within the school.…”