More children with health problems should be involved with studies into the causes of and treatments for their condition, researchers say.

A new report is calling for a change in culture across all areas of children’s health research so young people’s views and opinions are taken into account.

The study, led by Brighton and Sussex Medical School professor Bobbie Farsides, says unless ethical concerns about asking children to take part in research are addressed, people’s understanding of childhood disorders and ability to care will be limited.

The two-year inquiry was carried out by a working party for the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, which is chaired by Prof Farsides.

Emma Wileman’s son Haydn, died at the age of nine in 2011 following a serious and unexpected allergic reaction to peanuts in his cereal.

The youngster had been a severe asthmatic and was involved in research being done at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

Ms Wileman, from Telscombe Cliffs set up the charity Haydn’s Wish to help promote awareness and research into allergies.

Welcoming the findings of the report, she said: “Children are the ones living with these conditions and they know best what should be done.

“Haydn knew all about the medication he was taking and understood what his health problems were. He was very keen on being involved in research and potentially helping other children.

“Children are a lot more aware than people give them credit for and can make a vital contribution to studies.”

The medical study heard from more than 500 professionals, parents, children and young people in the UK and internationally.

It also features primary, secondary and sixth form students from Brighton and Hove.

Prof Farsides said: “It will always be easier to say ‘no’ to research with children on the grounds that it’s too difficult, but we should challenge the idea that it is acceptable to continue to offer healthcare to children without seeking to improve the evidence base for many of the treatments provided,” The report says evidence on childhood diseases and treatments remains limited because of a lack of research specifically with children and argues research with children should become a core part of the NHS.

Prof Farsides said: “Being invited to take part in research can come at very difficult times in children’s and parents’ lives.

“However children told us time and time again that it was important they should be asked to take part in research, particularly as it may help other children in future.”