Empowering children's voices: Practical guidelines for conducting ethical research with children on violence

Abstract

This commentary paper explores the importance of children's participation in research on violence, emphasizing their role as active contributors rather than passive subjects, and provides practical guidelines for conducting research with children on violence. The paper begins by outlining four fundamental approaches to studying violence against children, with an emphasis on the direct involvement of children in research on violence. The commentary argues for the necessity of children's participation, highlighting their unique perspectives and the various degrees of involvement they can have in research. Practical guidelines for researchers are provided, covering pre-research preparation, engagement during the research phase, and post-research practices to ensure participant well-being, thorough data analysis, and enhanced research impact. By striking a balance between empirical rigor and ethical considerations, these recommendations aim to promote more comprehensive and insightful knowledge about violence from the invaluable perspective of children.