Treat children as citizen co-researchers in health technology

Young Minds in the Driver's Seat: The Unsung Heroes of Health Tech Research

Research has long touted the benefits of citizen science, where everyday individuals contribute to scientific discoveries. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that children are being overlooked as valuable participants in this process – particularly when it comes to health technology research.

The importance of involving children as co-researchers cannot be overstated. Not only do they bring unique perspectives shaped by their experiences and understanding of the world, but they also possess an invaluable asset: the ability to navigate digital platforms with ease.

A recent study highlights the vast potential that lies within this demographic. Children can not only assist in data collection and analysis but also provide insights into the social and emotional implications of health technologies on young lives.

By empowering children as citizen co-researchers, we can harness their energy and creativity to drive meaningful discoveries. This approach is particularly crucial for addressing health issues affecting youth, such as mental wellness, digital literacy, and physical activity.

As researchers, it's time to recognize the value that children bring to the table – both in terms of their cognitive abilities and their capacity to shape the world they inhabit. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and participatory research ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.

I'm loving this trend of involving kids in health tech research! I mean, who better to ask about the social and emotional impact of tech on their lives than them? It's like, they're already experts on navigating online spaces, so why not tap into that wisdom? Plus, it's a great way to get fresh perspectives and ideas from a younger generation. And let's be real, kids are naturally curious and creative, so this approach can only lead to some amazing discoveries! We should totally give these young minds the chance to shine – they're already making a difference in their own way just by participating in research

I'm not sure I buy this idea that kids are being overlooked as valuable participants in health tech research . I mean, isn't it just a case of "children as lab rats" or something? Where's the evidence that they're actually driving meaningful discoveries? And what exactly do we mean by "empowering children" - is that just code for giving them more screen time to contribute to data collection?

I feel like this is so true! My niece has been really into coding and app development lately and it's amazing to see her passion and skills take off. I think we should definitely be giving kids more opportunities to get involved in science and tech, especially when it comes to health research. They're not just the next generation of researchers, but also our future selves.

I totally agree with this! Kids are being super underrated when it comes to contributing to science, especially health tech research. I mean, who better to give their two cents on how tech affects young lives? They're already experts in online stuff and can even help with coding or app development! Plus, involving kids in research could lead to more realistic and relatable results that actually benefit the youth community. We need to start giving them the recognition they deserve for being part of this process – it's time to level up our research game!

I don’t usually comment but... I think it’s kinda cool how researchers are starting to realize that kids aren’t just tiny humans who need to be protected from tech, but actual contributors who can bring some awesome insights . I mean, who better to understand the impact of social media on mental health than a kid who's been growing up with it? It’s about time we gave them more credit and started involving them in research. Plus, imagine all the innovative ideas they could come up with if given the chance !

I think its kinda weird how adults are always like "oh kids are so smart and capable" but never actually give them the chance to shine . Like, sure they're great at video games and stuff, but can't they also be awesome at contributing to real science? I mean, who better to understand what it's like to live in the digital age than actual kids themselves? They're not just going to spit out some generic answers because that's what adults expect. No way, if we give them the chance, they'll come up with something revolutionary

this is insane! I mean, who wouldn't want kids helping with health tech research? They're like, super tech-savvy already lol . And think about it, they've got totally fresh perspectives on how tech affects their lives. It's like, the future is literally in their hands (or should I say, their phones ). We gotta start giving them more credit for all that brainpower and creativity. It's not just about "empowering" them, it's about actually listening to what they have to say. They're not just mini-adults, they're like, tiny researchers in training!

I mean, this is wild. We're always hearing about how kids are the future or whatever, but have you seen some of these health tech projects? They need help with everything from coding to data analysis... it's like they're being held back by their own potential . I'm not saying we should just give them all the keys to the kingdom or anything, but come on, let's give 'em a chance to shine. I've seen some of my younger friends tackle these kinds of projects and crush it . It's time for us old folks to step aside and let the next gen take the wheel .

I gotta say, I'm still not convinced about these kid participation programs... I mean, sure, kids are tech-savvy, but are they really ready to take on complex health tech research? We're talking about some serious data analysis and interpretation here, not just collecting stickers or something . And what about the pressure and stress of contributing to "science"? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for empowering kids, but let's make sure we're not just slapping a title on them without actually preparing them for the task at hand .

I mean, come on! We should be embracing this idea wholeheartedly... wait, no, I'm saying don't let's get too excited about it either... I think it's awesome that kids are being included in health tech research, but at the same time, we can't just assume they're going to be all skilled and knowledgeable... I mean, some of them might need guidance, right? And what about parents/guardians getting involved too? Shouldn't they be the ones making decisions for their kids' participation in research?

I think its crazy how often adults forget kids are total tech geniuses ! Like, have you ever tried getting your young sibling to use a new app or video game? They pick it up in like 2 sec . And they got so much more insightful than us on the social media & online safety stuff we're always worried about . If we got kids involved in research, especially health tech, I think we could come up with some wild innovative ideas !

omg, can u believe kids are being left out of health tech research? it makes total sense though - they're literally growing up with these techs and know exactly how they can impact their lives! involving them as co-researchers would be a game changer... just imagine all the fresh perspectives & ideas they could bring to the table! kids are not just mini-adults, they're also super savvy digital natives who can totally keep up with data collection & analysis. let's give it up for these young scientists & empower them to drive meaningful discoveries in health tech research!

I think it's super cool that kids are finally getting the recognition they deserve in health tech research They're like, totally capable of making a difference and their perspectives on stuff are actually really valuable . I mean, who better to understand how technology affects our lives than someone who grew up with it? And yeah, let's be real, kids are basically tech experts already . We just need to harness that energy and creativity to create something amazing! It's time for researchers to step aside and let the young minds take the wheel

I'm really down with involving kids in health tech research , but at the same time, I'm not sure if it's really a good idea... I mean, what do they even know about all this stuff? They're just kids, right? But then again, maybe that's exactly their advantage - they're not jaded by adult ways of thinking and can bring a fresh perspective to the table . But wouldn't it be problematic if they're not getting proper guidance or supervision in these research projects? Or what about privacy concerns? I don't know, man...

You know what's wild? We're always talking about how important it is for kids to be heard, but when it comes to science research, we're like "oh no, the grown-ups are doing it". I mean, who better to figure out what works and what doesn't in the digital world than someone who grew up with it? They can spot a TikTok algorithm from a mile away! And let's not forget about mental wellness - kids deal with anxiety and stuff way more often than we do. We gotta give 'em a seat at the table, stat!

I think it's totally awesome that researchers are starting to realize kids have so much to offer when it comes to health tech research ! I mean, who better to ask about the social and emotional impact of digital stuff on our lives than someone who's literally growing up with it? It's like, we should be giving them a seat at the table, not just including them as extras in the study . And can you imagine all the fresh perspectives and ideas they'd bring to the table?! It's time for us grown-ups to step aside and let these young minds take the wheel .

I think this is so cool! I mean, who better to talk about social media than kids who grew up with it? They're already experts in online trends and have an opinion on what works and what doesn't. Plus, they can relate to the issues health tech researchers are trying to solve - like anxiety and cyberbullying. It's time we listen to their voices and give them a platform to share their ideas . I've seen some of my younger friends create amazing apps that help kids with disabilities or mental health issues, it's super inspiring! We need more of this kind of collaboration between researchers and young people to make a real difference .

can't believe its not more common for kids to be involved in health tech research they got skills & perspectives that are so valuable! think about it, most of us grew up with smartphones & the internet, so we're basically experts on how technology affects our lives its only fair that they get a say in shaping the future of healthcare

I gotta say, this is like totally on point ! I mean, think about it, kids are already experts at navigating TikTok and Snapchat, what's next? They should be leading the charge in health tech research, right? It's time to give them a seat at the table and let their fresh perspectives shape the future of healthcare.

I'm all for involving kids as co-researchers, they're not just tiny humans with an opinion, they have skills and knowledge that can be harnessed. And it's not like we're talking about some special snowflake, it's about tapping into the collective energy of young people to drive meaningful discoveries .

We need more inclusivity in research, period. Kids are not just tiny versions of us, they're their own unique entity with their own strengths and abilities. By empowering them, we're not only advancing healthcare but also giving them a voice and agency in shaping the world they live in. It's about time!