Involving young people

Young people can be involved in all aspects of research whether it is online or offline. This requires consideration at an early stage in a research project. Involving young people when a project is up and running can mean that their expertise is not fully utilised at the crucial development stage.

Involving young people in research as co-producers

There are lots of ways that young people can be involved in research. For example, they can:

• Advise on the overall research project at all stages of the process
• Contribute to developing questions or areas of enquiry
• Design digital tools and methodology
• Identify ethical and e-safety issues
• Undertake data collection
• Be involved in analysing data and producing findings
• Provide peer to peer support
• Produce research outputs
• Be involved in dissemination to policy makers, researchers and practitioners
• Contribute to knowledge exchange and dialogue around findings
• Use research in collective advocacy, campaigning and activism.

Exploring how to use digital media in research provides an opportunity to think how young people can be involved as co-producers. Many of these apply equally to traditional offline research.

Ten points to consider

• Think of ways to harness young people’s enthusiasm
• Don’t assume that all young people are skilled in using digital media
• Create opportunities for young people to develop their skills in using digital media and in research
• Ensure that online and offline aspects will complement each other
• Consider resource implications of supporting young people as co-researchers, e.g. time, travel costs, equipment, training, staff time, rewards/payments for young researchers
• Be clear about what you can realistically achieve and what you can’t. Balance fantastic ideas with realistic expectations
• Decide at the outset whether and how young people’s participation will be acknowledged and rewarded
• Have a wide and inclusive recruitment process
• Be clear about everyone’s roles and responsibilities in the research process
• Try things out, keep it lively and don’t do the same thing over and over again.

< Prev