Social media is a central component in the lives of many young people, and provides
innovative potential to conduct research among this population. Ethical issues around
online research have been subject to much debate, yet young people have seldom been
consulted to provide a youth perspective and voice. Eight (8) focus groups involving 48
Grade 9 Western Australian secondary school students aged 13-14 years were held in
2012, to investigate how young people perceive the feasibility and acceptability of social
media when used as a research tool to investigate various issues relevant to their mental
health and wellbeing. Whilst young people recognise many benefits of researchers using
social media in this way, such as its relevance, innovation and accessibility, there were
salient issues of privacy, consent, and practicality that require careful negotiation. There
is a need for continued exploration and scientific debate of the moral and ethical
implications of using social media for research, to help ensure this is employed in an
appropriate and effective way that is respectful of and sensitive to the needs and views of
young peoplepeer-reviewe
