Children in clinical trials: a guide for parents

What is different when the participant is your child — including the say your child has, whatever their age, and how that changes as they grow.

You consent; your child assents

As the parent or guardian you give permission — that is the consent. Separately, the team should explain the study to your child in words suited to their age and ask whether they are willing. That agreement is called assent.

A child’s “no” carries weight

If your child does not want to take part, that matters and should be taken seriously. Children are also allowed to change their minds during a study, in the same way adults are.

Extra protections, and what changes as they grow

Studies involving children are reviewed more strictly before they are allowed to begin, because children cannot advocate for themselves the way adults can. The ethics committee looks closely at what is being asked of them.