Yes, some clinical trials are specifically designed for children or adolescents under 18. However, participation by minors requires special ethical protections and must follow strict legal and regulatory guidelines.
What makes pediatric trials different
- A parent or legal guardian must give permission (called “parental consent”).
- In many cases, the child must also agree in an age-appropriate way (called “assent”).
- The study must be approved by an ethics board with pediatric expertise.
- All information must be clearly explained in language that both the parent and child can understand.
How it works on DecenTrialz
- Minors cannot create their own accounts.
- A parent or guardian can sign up on their behalf and complete the pre-screening.
- If matched, the research site will conduct a full review and guide the family through the consent process.
Key Note: Trials involving children are reviewed with extra care to ensure their rights, safety, and emotional well-being are protected at every step.