Introduction: Ethics and Integrity in Research with Children and Young People

The expansion of research with children and young people in recent times has offered important opportunities for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to understand better children’s perspectives and everyday lived experiences. In line with Article 12 of the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989), young people’s meaningful participation in research signals an important step towards their rights to participate in matters that affect their lives. Examples of research conducted with children and young people can be found across many academic disciplines including the health and social sciences, psychology, arts and humanities, international development and economics. Children’s views on areas such as health and education, family life and friendships, and broader global and political challenges including climate change and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic are now frequently sought as part of enhanced efforts to inform policy and practice areas directly relevant to young lives (Alderson & Morrow, 2020). Crucially, the growth of research with, on and for children and young people acknowledges that children may have different ideas and experiences from adults and are, thus, the best informants on their own lives.