Collecting Data With Young People: Why Consent and Assent Matter

Working with young people in research or evaluation can be incredibly rewarding—full of energy, honesty, and perspectives adults often overlook. But before we ever ask a single question, there’s one important step we can’t skip: making sure both the young person and their parent/guardian understand and agree to take part.

That’s where consent and assent come in. And yes, sometimes we ask for them more than once! Here’s why.

Why Consent and Assent Are Important

When adults participate in research, they give consent a formal “yes, I understand what this is about and I agree to join.” But with children and teens, things work a little differently. They’re still growing, still learning to make decisions, and often still depend on adults. So we use two types of permissions:

1. Consent: from the parent or guardian

This is the official “green light” from the adult responsible for the young person.

2. Assent: from the young person

This is the child’s or teen’s way of saying:

“I understand what this is about in my own words, and I want to participate.”

Both are equally important. We’re not just ticking boxes, we're building trust.

Why We Ask More Than Once

Sometimes people wonder: “Didn’t we already ask for permission? Why ask again?”

Great question! Here’s the truth:

 1. Parents may need reminders

Life gets busy. Emails get missed. Permissions get forgotten. Asking more than once ensures we truly reach parents and give them space to ask questions so they’re comfortable.

2. Kids change their minds, and that’s okay

One day a young person might feel excited. Another day they might feel nervous or unsure. By checking in twice, we respect their feelings and make sure they still want to participate.

3. It reinforces understanding

Young people process information differently. Hearing things again, in simpler, clearer language, helps them fully understand what’s happening.

4. Ethical data collection requires ongoing agreement

Consent isn’t a “one time and done” moment. It’s an ongoing conversation.

How We Keep the Process Fun and Comfortable

We don’t believe in boring forms or confusing language! When working with young people, we make sure:

• We explain things in simple, friendly terms

• We give examples they can relate to

• We let them ask any question,big or small

• We remind them they can say No anytime

• We check in before, during, and even after data collection

  
  

Because the goal isn’t just getting data, it’s making sure young people feel respected, safe, and empowered. When collecting data with young people, consent and assent are our way of saying: “Your voice matters, and your comfort comes first.”

By asking parents more than once and checking in with kids twice, we create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel heard, not pressured,

and when young people feel safe, they share honestly, participate fully, and help create insights that truly matter.