Which of the following is most important when dealing with young people accessing healthcare?

• A. Involve their parents in all decisions
• B. Respect their autonomy and listen
• C. Ask them to repeat what they say
• D. Believe them when they tell you something

Answer: (D)

Believing a young person when they tell you something is the foundation for trustworthy, effective care. When you take their account seriously, they’re more likely to share relevant details, symptoms, and concerns openly, which leads to better assessment, safer care, and stronger engagement with treatment. This approach also supports their growing autonomy and helps reduce fear of judgment or dismissal, encouraging honest communication.

Involve parents in all decisions can undermine the young person’s privacy and autonomy, and isn’t appropriate in every situation. Treatment and safeguarding decisions should balance confidentiality with safety and be guided by the young person’s best interests. Asking them to repeat what they say can feel patronizing or mistrustful and hamper open dialogue. Believing them means listening, validating their experience, and then assessing and acting as needed—taking their information seriously while applying professional judgment and safeguarding where necessary.