When conducting research with minors, what must researchers prioritize?

In research involving minors, ensuring parental permission where applicable is a fundamental ethical requirement. This reflects the need to protect the welfare and rights of children who may not have the capacity to give informed consent on their own. By obtaining parental consent, researchers affirm the importance of safeguarding minors and align with ethical standards that prioritize the child's best interests.

This process also respects the legal frameworks that exist to protect minors, which often require that parents or guardians have a say in the participation of their children in research activities. This step is vital for promoting transparency and fostering trust between researchers, participants, and their families. By prioritizing parental permission, researchers demonstrate their commitment to ethical research practices and the well-being of their participants, which is essential when engaging vulnerable populations like minors.