Introduction
Looking from a historical perspective at the vast field of social sciences, it is evident that formal investigation and research involving children have undoubtedly contributed not only to the generalization of knowledge but also towards the construction of a body of information that can provide scientists and researchers with an amazing insight into the minds and behaviors of children. There are numerous ways of achieving knowledge and various methods in conducting research involving children. However, it is necessary for the researcher to recognize the reality of studying children participants in the further pursuit of knowledge, that is, identify the difference between adult and children participants. Researches and their conclusions can promote and protect children’s rights, while they can bring human rights abuse into the light. But the way of conducting such researches could ignore, most times unintentionally, children’s rights. When children are presented as the ‘silent’ victims of a tragedy, or are included in clinical research without their consent, their human rights and their right to be protected are being jeopardized.
Research involving children has indeed many potential benefits and drawbacks. The benefits and drawbacks concern the children themselves, not just the science. Children can gain and loose too much at the same time. Thus, it is important to promote more thoughtful attention to the complex ethical problems that arise when conducting research that involves children. This essay will explore different ethical issues and situations in which children’s rights are being put at risk, while providing foundations for a better understanding not only of the ethical issues but also of the children’s special nature.