What is a critical element to include in interviews with children?

Fostering a safe and comfortable environment is vital when interviewing children, as it helps to build trust and encourages them to communicate openly. Children are often sensitive to the atmosphere around them; an intimidating or uncomfortable setting can lead to fear or reluctance to share information. By ensuring that they feel secure, interviewers can facilitate more accurate and comprehensive responses. This supportive environment empowers children to express themselves freely, which is essential for gathering reliable information during the interview process.

Creating an intimidating atmosphere, maximizing the number of questions, or even focusing solely on their native language may detract from the child's comfort and willingness to engage, ultimately impairing the quality of the information obtained.