Which of the following is a core principle of ethical research with children?

• A. Protect welfare
• B. Defer consent
• C. Expose to high risk
• D. Hide results

Answer: (A)

Protecting participants’ welfare is the fundamental aim in research with children. This means safeguarding their safety, physical and emotional well-being, and minimizing any discomfort, risk, or burden from participating. When children are involved, researchers must carefully weigh potential benefits against risks, ensure appropriate safeguards, obtain parental consent and, when appropriate, child assent, monitor for distress, and protect privacy and confidentiality. These practices align with the obligation to do no harm and to promote well-being, which is the cornerstone of ethical child research.

Deferment of consent is not acceptable because participation should not proceed without appropriate permission from a parent or guardian and, when possible, the child’s assent. Exposing children to high risk directly violates beneficence and non-maleficence, as it would unnecessarily endanger participants. Hiding results breaches integrity and transparency, and deprives others of knowledge that could inform better practices and protections. The emphasis on safeguarding welfare keeps research ethical and trustworthy.