Why do we do research with children?

Most children will have had to take a medicine at some time in their lives. This may simply be a comforting cough syrup or could be under the difficult circumstances of having to take some life saving medication.

It is perhaps surprising to learn that in fact many of the medicines we give to our children are actually tested on adults. Of course this does not mean that they are unsafe, as they have been used safely and effectively in adults and children for years.

It does mean however, that there is further research to be done to ensure that children are receiving the best treatment possible, whatever the severity of their illness.

Research involving children is essential for advancing child health and well-being. Like adults, children should be given the opportunity to take part in, and benefit from, successful research. It is not acceptable to carry out research with adults and simply apply the findings to children. 

Why?

• Children are not just small adults

• Diseases in children often differ from those in adults

• Many childhood problems can only be understood when growth and development are also taken into consideration

• Children's bodies react differently to some medicines compared with adults'

• The way that medicines are handled in children's bodies varies with age

• Different dosages are needed to treat children of different ages

• The way that medicines are delivered needs to be suitable for children.

Research with children can help us understand more about disease and illness from a child's perspective. It can also help us find out more about some of the adult diseases that begin in childhood.