MRS Guidelines for Conducting Data Collection Activities with Children

These Guidelines interpret the MRS Code of Conduct (2019) and provide additional best practice advice. Unless otherwise stated, Guidelines are not binding. Rules 16 to 22 of the MRS Code of Conduct contain specific mandatory provisions relating to data collection activities with children.

Under the Code, children are defined as those aged under 16 years. There is no recommended minimum age for data collection activities among children, but it is expected that members will involve very young children directly in data collection activities only when this is necessary and appropriate to the particular project.

The intention of the provisions regarding age is to protect potentially vulnerable members of society, whatever the source of their vulnerability, and to strengthen the principle of public trust.

Their main aims are:

• To help protect the rights of children physically, mentally, ethically and
  emotionally and to ensure they are not exploited;
• To reassure parents and others concerned with their welfare and safety that data
  collection activities conducted under these guidelines is designed to help protect
  the interests of children;
• To promote the professionalism and value of data collection activities - among
  children, and the wider public; and
• To help protect the member and client from accusations of improper behaviour by
  publishing the necessary good practice required to meet their legal and ethical
  responsibilities.

Rules from the Code of Conduct applicable in each section of this document are stated in bold. These rules are binding on MRS members and breaches may result in disciplinary action. The guidance that follows the rules provides interpretation and additional best practice. Members are reminded that this document is designed to complement the MRS Code of Conduct and should not be consulted in isolation.

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