There is a general consensus that children’s participation in social research is important: holding different standpoints, conceptualisations and experiences of the world to adults, children’s views can help develop knowledge about the social problems they encounter and assist adults to better consider their needs. However, considerable uncertainty remains around children’s inclusion in research on ‘sensitive’ issues. Key to this are deeply embedded assumptions and beliefs about children and childhood, especially concerning notions of capacity and vulnerability.

MESSI (Managing Ethical Studies on Sensitive Issues) is an Australian ARC project aimed at better understanding the tensions between the protection of children and their participation in social research. This mixed methods study explores how these tensions are perceived, managed and navigated by ethics committees, professionals who approve or facilitate research with children, parents and children and young people themselves. This presentation discusses the findings from the study including: stakeholders’ perceptions and views of what constitutes a ‘sensitive issue’, and the range of issues they take into account when making decisions to support children to participate in research.

By refining our understanding of these issues researchers will be in a better position to address the concerns of potential gatekeepers and facilitate the ethical conduct of research with children on sensitive topics.

Professor Morag McArthur has over 30 years of research experience in social work, public policy and child welfare and has worked to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice. She was the foundation director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University from 2005-2016. She has worked on a range of research projects aimed specifically at improving policy and practice that affects children, young people and their families. One key area of expertise is the development of innovative and participatory methodologies which include children and young people. Further information can be found on their ACU profile.