What condition must be met for an IRB to waive parental permission for research in schools?

For an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to grant a waiver of parental permission for research conducted in schools, it is essential that the research poses no more than minimal risk to the participants. This condition is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of minors involved in the study, as research often involves vulnerable populations. When the risk is minimal, the IRB can allow the research to proceed without requiring parental consent, facilitating studies that may provide valuable insights without imposing undue burden or risk to the child participants.

The focus on minimal risk is aligned with ethical principles regarding the involvement of children in research, ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected. If the research entails more than minimal risk, parental permission would be necessary to safeguard the participants.