Involving children and young people in our work gives us invaluable insight into their views and experiences and ensures that we deliver high quality, relevant research.
We promote young people’s involvement in research in a number of ways.
We involve young researchers in our projects
We’ve previously worked with young researchers on our ICT and Me project, which explored how young people’s use of computers, electronic devices and the internet impacts on the number of GCSEs they achieve.
Over 20 young people received training as part of this project and they conducted focus groups in 13 schools across Northern Ireland.
We provide training and support
To date, we’ve trained and supported over 200 young people to conduct research in over 10 projects that explore a range of issues including barriers facing unemployed young people, school counselling services, body image and newcomer children.
We also provide training to other organisations who wish to train young people as researchers.
We coordinate the Children and Young People as Researchers network
We support organisations through the Children and Young People as Researchers (CYPAR) network.
Open to members of the community, voluntary, academic and statutory sectors, the network shares knowledge and good practice on working with young researchers and runs member events and workshops. Over 40 organisations are members of CYPAR.
Sources of more information
- The Young Researcher Network
- Children's Research Centre
- Children's Research Network
- Centre for Children's Rights, Queen's University
- Improving Children's Lives
- Institute of Child Care Research
- Northern Ireland Young Life and Times
- Northern Ireland Kids Life and Times
- ORB online children's research bank