Adolescent Involvement in Co-Authoring Peer Reviewed Publications: A Reflection of Challenges and Best Practice Recommendations.

Adolescents (10-24 years old) are increasingly being included as research partners or co-researchers in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. However, there is no existing guidance that explores the nuance of how adolescents can be involved as co-authors in peer reviewed research publications. Through this article, we reflect on our experiences co-authoring peer reviewed publications with adolescents and support this by drawing upon empirical evidence. This Viewpoint article discusses challenges before, during and after publication and provides guidance to journals, publishers, and researchers on ethically and authentically involving adolescents as co-authors. We also propose best practice recommendations to support co-authorship with adolescents. This article is intended to create a more inclusive publication landscape for adolescents who are increasingly participating as co-researchers across health research and should rightly be included as co-authors. Patient and Public Contribution: This article was written in collaboration with adolescents, professionals and academics contributing equally. All authors contributed to article planning, investigation, reviewing and editing and approving the final version of the article.