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.