OXFAM GUIDANCE NOTE Ethical considerations when engaging adolescents in research, monitoring and evaluation activities
guidance note
April 2024
Ethical considerations when engaging adolescents in research, monitoring and evaluation activities 1. INTRODUCTION This guidance note builds on Oxfam’s existing resources on research ethics1 and safeguarding policies, to provide an overview of ethical considerations specific to adolescent participation in research, monitoring, and evaluation activities. The document will prepare research teams to center the best interests of the child in the study design, risk and safety planning, data collection, and at all other key decision-making points. Soliciting information from adolescents requires special considerations, particularly when asking about sensitive topics. The intent is to mitigate against potential risks and consequences to children and youth as a result of their participation in the study or evaluation. Responding to ethical concerns will also contribute to greater quality data, ensuring that the results are valid. Adolescence is the period between childhood and adulthood—beginning with puberty and transitioning from dependence on caregivers to self-sufficient adult members of society. During this period of life, adolescents develop knowledge and skills, begin to understand how to manage emotions and relationships, and develop traits and capabilities to enjoy their adolescent years and transition to assuming adult responsibilities. While the official age bracket of adolescence varies across countries, the United Nations (UN) defines this period as between 10 and 19 years of age. In this guidance note, very young adolescents are considered 10 – 14 years old, and older adolescents 15 – 19 years old. These two groups have different levels of maturity that should be considered when assessing the risks to their health and safety. Furthermore, adolescents facing additional, context-specific vulnerability factors should be accommodated for, as explained further in this note.
2. MANDATORY LAWS AND POLICIES The following Oxfam policies and protocols, national and international laws, and ethics approvals must be adhered to when engaging adolescents in research and evaluations. a. Oxfam Codes of Conduct – Oxfam staff, consultants, and partners involved in the research and evaluation activities must review, sign, and abide by this professional code of conduct that clearly states obligations to treat all people with respect and dignity, and challenge any form of harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and exploitation of abuse.
1 Other Oxfam research ethics resources for general populations include: Undertaking Research with Ethics, Ethical and Safety Guidelines for research and evaluation in GBV programs.
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