Ethical Research Involving Children

ERIC aims to assist researchers and the research community to understand, plan and conduct ethical research involving children and young people in any geographical, social, cultural or methodological context.
ERIC is motivated by a shared international concern that the human dignity of children is honoured and their rights and wellbeing are respected in all research, regardless of context. The critically important element in achieving this is YOU – your attitudes, values, beliefs, assumptions and practice – since these ultimately shape the research experience for children much more than any written procedures or checklist.
Many researchers report feeling isolated in their research activities, despite the increasing emphasis placed on the value, importance and legitimacy of research that captures the views and perspectives of children and young people. This sense of isolation is increased when it comes to making informed decisions about complex ethical and methodological issues.
This ERIC website has been specifically designed to provide a rich repository of information and resources to assist researchers, and guide and improve research involving children. It also aims to encourage critical reflection, dialogue and collegiality within and across the international research community.
We hope you will find this website useful in reflecting on your research and the children and young people involved. We warmly welcome your comments, suggestions and contributions.