Yes, all researchers are required to act according to ethical principles, values and norms in the conduct of research. This applies to all kinds of research and all stages of the research process, including planning, implementation, analysis and publication. In some cases, and in particular, when working with children and young people, researchers are required to engage in a formal ethical review process before they start collecting data. This review process considers the ethical risks that a research process entails for research participants, including whether the research might cause them any kind of physical or mental harm, and what kind of strategies researchers will put in place in order to mitigate against potential harms. 

Some kinds of research, for example, medical research, also have specific legislative and ethical guidelines that researchers working in these fields need to follow.

The most important principles are reliability, honesty, respect, accountability and justice.  Ethical principles support the aims of research, including the independent generation of new knowledge, truth and the avoidance of error. Common ethical values also ensure that research is conducted in a just and fair way, promoting trust and mutual respect and ensuring accountability. Working according to common values in turn supports international collaboration in research. Furthermore, ethical norms ensure that researchers are accountable to the public, particularly to the societies, communities and contexts where they conduct their research.

Research about children’s digital lives and living conditions is valuable and important. Children and young people are important contributors to this kind of research, and it is essential that they are included in research and given a voice to express their opinions about matters that concern them. At the same time, children and young people can also be in particular need of protection as participants in research. Researchers need therefore to consider how they can both facilitate participation in research and ensure that children and young people are not exposed to unnecessary risk or harm during the research process. Researchers, therefore, need to evaluate the balance between children’s competence to provide informed consent and participate in research on the one hand, and their vulnerability on the other. They also need to consider whether and how children will benefit from the research process.

Specifically, regarding research involving children in online contexts, it is important to note that central ethical principles, values and norms also apply. The internet and the use of digital media do not change or negate the application of research ethics. As is the case with all research, it is particularly important to maintain respect for individuals and their integrity throughout the entire research process. At the same time, some particular dimensions of Internet research require careful consideration by researchers. These include the importance of evaluating the public or private nature of expressions studied, the sensitivity of information, the relevant vulnerability of participants and the interactions and consequences of research. It is also important for researchers to maintain an awareness of the fact that all communication on the internet is stored, searchable, and can be copied, and that the intended audience for communication is often unclear. These aspects of Internet research also need to be considered in light of the potential competence and vulnerability of children and young people.

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