Challenges and facilitators of performing co-research with children and adolescents

Abstract Background Involving children and adolescents as equal partners in research ensures their perspectives are heard and promotes agency. Co-research empowers young people to contribute their lived experiences but presents complex challenges. This review synthesizes insights from previous co-research projects and outlines characteristics for meaningful co-research processes. Methods We conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis of studies on co-research with children and adolescents. Three databases were searched through May 2023, supplemented by additional targeted searches. Two reviewers screened 742 abstracts and 169 full texts, selecting 48 eligible studies. Thirty were sampled for synthesis based on data richness and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Challenges and facilitators were identified across eight phases of the co-research process: preparation, recruitment, training and team building, developing research questions and design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, dissemination, and implementation. Key challenges included building trust, avoiding tokenism, managing time and resources, and addressing power imbalances between youth and adult co-researchers. Facilitators included clear communication, flexible structures, relation-ship building, inclusive and interactive training, and methods tailored to young people's contexts and capacities. Sustained youth involvement and opportunities for feedback throughout the process were essential. Conclusions Successful co-research with children and adolescents requires transparent communication, flexible and adaptive approaches, genuine relationship-building, and long-term integration of youth voices into decision-making structures. Adult co-researchers must provide appropriate support, trust, and flexibility. They must continuously reflect on their roles and address power imbalances to ensure meaningful, equitable youth participation. Key messages • Co-research with youth requires trust, flexibility, and power-sharing to ensure meaningful and equitable participation across all research phases. • Adult researchers must reflect on their roles and support sustained youth involvement to avoid tokenism and amplify young people’s voices.