Ethical research in Ireland is grounded in legal, constitutional, and policy frameworks that researchers must be aware of when planning and executing research involving children and young people. Article 42A of the Constitution recognises children as independent rights holders in their own right, with inalienable rights which the State must uphold, which include a right to dignity, privacy, bodily integrity and a right to autonomy or self-determination. The principles underpinning article 42A are further reflected in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) adopts an integrated and holistic approach to the rights of children. The different rights outlined in the convention are not ranked in order of importance; instead they interact with one another to form dynamic parts of an integrated unit.

In conducting research involving children and young people, the following Articles are of particular concern:

• Article 2– Non-discrimination
• Article 3– Best interests of the child
• Article 12– Right to express views and be heard
• Article 16– Right to privacy
• Article 17– Access to appropriate information

These fundamental rights, in conjunction with core principles of ethical research, give rise to the following duties and responsibilities which must be considered by all researchers planning to include children and young people as research participants...

P.15 Assent and consent can be particularly complex with young people over 16, especially when research explores sensitive topics such as sexual health, mental health, or experiences of harm...