The Use of Waivers of Guardian Permission in the United States for Pediatric Digital Health Intervention Research Since 2020: Systematic Review - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Examining Guardian Permission Waivers for Pediatric Digital Health Research in the U.S. Since 2020: A Systematic Review

  • By

  • Colleen Stiles-Shields

  • Elyse Shenberger

  • Ann Bernica

  • Gabriella Bobadilla

  • Kandis Fletcher

  • Jasmine George

  • Sydney Gordon

  • Erika L Gustafson

  • Crystal S Hernandez

  • Taylor L Hilderbrand

  • Sarah N Kumi

  • Christine A Lee

  • Sarah I Lorduy

  • Meera Phanse

  • Lauren M Potthoff

  • Naomi Quezada

  • Dale L Smith

  • Holly J Hudson

  • Emily E Anderson

  • September 25, 2026

Share

  • 1

    The U.S. youth mental health crisis is exacerbated by provider shortages and restricted access to care due to budget cuts and policy changes.

  • 2

    Digital health interventions are proposed as a solution to improve access to mental health services for youth facing systemic barriers.

  • 3

    Guardian permission is generally required for minors to participate in research, which may disproportionately exclude vulnerable youth.

  • 4

    Requiring guardian consent can deter participation among LGBTQIA+ youth, with nearly 40% indicating they would decline participation if consent was needed.

  • 5

    Disclosure of sensitive identity-related information to guardians may pose greater risks than the research participation itself for some adolescents.

Original Source(s)

The Use of Waivers of Guardian Permission in the United States for Pediatric Digital Health Intervention Research Since 2020: Systematic Review

  • by Colleen Stiles-Shields, Elyse Shenberger, Ann Bernica, Gabriella Bobadilla, Kandis Fletcher, Jasmine George, Sydney Gordon, Erika L Gustafson, Crystal S Hernandez, Taylor L Hilderbrand, Sarah N Kumi, Christine A Lee, Sarah I Lorduy, Meera Phanse, Lauren M Potthoff, Naomi Quezada, Dale L Smith, Holly J Hudson, Emily E Anderson

  • September 25, 2026

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