This article dives in to how children are used in research, still today, even though there are laws supposed to protect our children. Learn more about what the potential implications and consequences are, the ethical dilemma of research on or with children, and what laws there are to possibly protect children.
The important question is whether children are in fact being protected or whether the institutions conducting the research and obtaining their questionable “informed consent” from parents and guardians are in fact criminally negligent or just plain criminal in what is being done to our children.
Children Have Been Used in Research for Centuries
Children have been used in research for centuries, with the first recorded instance dating back to the 18th century. Since then, children have been involved in a wide range of research, including medical studies, social science studies, and even marketing research. While research involving children has led to significant advancements in medicine and other fields, it has also been the subject of ethical debate due to the potential risks and harm that children may face.
Medical Research, Informed Consent
Medical research involving children is critical for the development of new treatments and therapies that can help improve the health and well-being of children. However, it also presents significant ethical challenges due to the vulnerability of children and their inability to give informed consent. The use of children in research is often a last resort and is only permitted when the potential benefits outweigh the risks and when there are no other alternatives available.
One of the most significant ethical dilemmas in research involving children is the issue of informed consent. Children are not legally capable of giving informed consent, and therefore, parents or guardians must provide consent on their behalf. However, there is a risk that parents may not fully understand the implications of the research or the potential risks and benefits for their child. In addition, children may not fully understand what is involved in the research, which can make it difficult to obtain meaningful consent.
Another challenge in research involving children is the potential for harm or discomfort. Children are more vulnerable to the risks associated with research, and there is a risk that they may experience physical or emotional harm during the study. Researchers must take steps to minimize these risks and ensure that the study is conducted in a way that is safe and ethical.
Laws & Regulations – Enforced?
There are various laws and regulations in place to protect children involved in research. In the United States, the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (also known as the Common Rule) outlines the ethical principles for research involving children. The policy requires that research involving children must have a reasonable likelihood of benefitting the child and must pose no more than minimal risk. Additionally, the policy requires that informed consent is obtained from parents or guardians, and assent is obtained from the child if they are capable of understanding the research.
Other countries have similar laws and regulations in place to protect children involved in research. The Declaration of Helsinki, for example, outlines the ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects, including children. The document emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of children involved in research and requires that informed consent is obtained from parents or guardians.
In conclusion, the use of children in research is a complex and controversial issue. While research involving children has led to significant advancements in medicine and other fields, it also presents significant ethical challenges. Researchers must take steps to minimize the risks and ensure that the study is conducted in a way that is safe and ethical. Additionally, laws and regulations are in place to protect children involved in research and to ensure that their rights and welfare are upheld.
Explicit Examples of Research on Children
Research on children spans across various disciplines, including medical, psychological, and educational research. Some examples of the types of research being done on children, along with age groups and sources for further study, are:
- Medical research on vaccines and treatments:
- Age group: Infants, children, and adolescents.
- Example: Clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
- Source for further study: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides information on clinical trials for children and adolescents.
- Psychological research on child development:
- Age group: Infants, children, and adolescents.
- Example: Studies on the effects of early childhood experiences on brain development.
- Source for further study: The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) provides information on research studies and resources related to child development.
- Educational research on learning and behavior:
- Age group: School-aged children and adolescents.
- Example: Studies on the effectiveness of different teaching methods and interventions for students with learning disabilities.
- Source for further study: The American Educational Research Association (AERA) provides information on research studies and resources related to education.
- Social science research on child welfare:
- Age group: Infants, children, and adolescents.
- Example: Studies on the effects of child abuse and neglect on development and well-being.
- Source for further study: The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides information on research studies and resources related to child welfare.
It is important to note that any research involving children must adhere to strict ethical guidelines and obtain informed consent from parents or guardians. Further information on research involving children can be found through organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes, and the Society for Pediatric Research.
Here are some sources for further study on research involving children:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – The NIH provides information on clinical trials for children and adolescents, as well as resources for researchers conducting studies involving children.
- Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) – The SRCD is a professional organization dedicated to promoting research on child development. Their website provides information on research studies, conferences, and resources related to child development.
- American Educational Research Association (AERA) – The AERA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting educational research. Their website provides information on research studies, conferences, and resources related to education.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – The NCTSN is a network of professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting research and resources related to child welfare and trauma. Their website provides information on research studies, resources, and training related to child trauma.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – The AAP is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of children. Their website provides information on research studies, guidelines, and resources related to pediatric medicine.
- International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) – The ISPAD is a professional organization dedicated to promoting research and education related to diabetes in children and adolescents. Their website provides information on research studies, guidelines, and resources related to pediatric diabetes.
- Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) – The SPR is a professional organization dedicated to promoting research on child health and disease. Their website provides information on research studies, conferences, and resources related to pediatric medicine.
These sources can serve as starting points for further study on research involving children. It is important to keep in mind the ethical implications of such research and to ensure that studies involving children are conducted in a safe and responsible manner.