Digital Participatory Research with Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Methodological Trends and the Emergence of Health-Focused Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/mw2025684Keywords:
Participatory Research, Youth Empowerment, Digital Tools, Health Research, Co-Research, Systematic Review, Child Participation, Digital InclusionAbstract
This systematic review analyzes 23 empirical studies conducted between 2000 and 2025 that engaged children and adolescents as co-researchers in participatory research projects using digital tools. Applying PRISMA 2020 guidelines, the studies were selected from Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost databases. Using CASP criteria and RStudio for thematic synthesis, the review reveals how digital methodologies such as photovoice, participatory GIS, and digital storytelling facilitated co-researcher roles and enhanced empowerment, critical thinking, and civic identity among youth. A significant proportion of the studies focused on health-related topics, including physical activity, mental health, and nutrition, highlighting the transformative outcomes of youth-led inquiry in these domains. Despite the overall methodological robustness and positive outcomes, limitations were noted in reflexivity, reporting transparency, and inclusion of studies from Latin America. The review underscores the potential of participatory digital research to democratize knowledge production in health and calls for greater geographical and methodological inclusiveness.
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