Conducting Risky Research with Teens

The methods in which we study the online experiences of adolescents should be evidence-based and informed by youth. This is especially true when studying sensitive topics, such as risk behaviors minors. We directly engaged 20 (ages 12-18) co-design two different research methodologies (i.e., diary studies analyzing social media trace data) for conducting adolescent safety research. also interviewed 13 their parents to understand perspectives. Overall, teens wanted share personal benefit society, while researchers tackle a topic that they felt was prevalent problem teens. Yet, both had significant concerns regarding data privacy disclosures made during studies. Teens' feared getting trouble. Participants emphasized importance developing trusting relationship with researcher overcome these concerns. saw potential using tool risk-reporting mitigation, where could act liaisons between other parties (e.g., counselors, law enforcement, parents) pertinent details facilitate resources or even help giving them strategies mitigating risks encountered study. Our delves into important ethical considerations risk-focused uncovers critical need designing risk-based youth protection. provide heuristic guidelines vulnerable populations adolescents) keeping participants safe doing so.