Scotland: Executive's researchers must involve the young

Children as Researchers, jointly compiled by the University of Stirling and the Scottish Centre for Social Research, explores the potential for giving young people a central role in government-led social research.

The report authors said they found little evidence of Scottish Executive-funded projects that have directly involved young people in carrying out research, highlighting concerns that the government's youth participation agenda has been reduced.

It cites obstacles to the involvement of young people including limited budgets, time pressures and staff turnover within the civil service.

The report recommends the formation of a network of experienced young researchers who can develop ideas for involving young people in research and mentor new young researchers.

It also recommends that the Executive makes it clear when procuring research work that involving young people in the research is expected.

Robert Bell, director of Carnegie Young People Initiative, welcomed the report. "Young people of all ages can become effective researchers," he said. "There might be institutional resistance to this if it is perceived as challenging the pro- fessional interests of established government researchers."

A Scottish Executive spokeswoman said there were "no immediate plans" to set up a network of young researchers, but it was always looking for ways to ensure children are heard.

www.scotland.gov.uk