At what age can children typically provide assent according to CITI guidelines?

Children can typically provide assent around 7 years old, but this age can vary depending on the specific context of the research and the child's developmental maturity. Assent refers to the child’s affirmative agreement to participate in research, acknowledging that they may not fully understand the complexities of the study, yet are able to comprehend the basic information related to it.

The guidelines indicate that researchers should consider the age, maturity, and psychological state of the child, as well as the nature of the study, when determining if a child is capable of understanding and agreeing to participate. Therefore, while 7 years old is a common starting point, flexibility is essential in practice to accommodate different developmental stages. This allows for ethical research practices, ensuring that the child's capability to provide informed assent is appropriately considered.