Tina Moules discusses how research involving children can be complex and fraught with ethical considerations

Researchers are increasingly recognising the importance of understanding children’s perspectives on their lives in communities and family situations. This shift in thinking has been driven by an acknowledgement that children are active participants in their lives and so have a right to be heard and to contribute to decision-making. The result has been an increase in the amount of research involving children, young people and their families. But undertaking this type of research is not without its difficulties. The themed papers in this issue provide researchers with valuable insight into how some of these challenges might be overcome.