Parent consent is an often overlooked factor in data collection across industries and multiple use cases. A parent consent form is the deciding factor for a student to apply to a college, undergo a healthcare procedure, or participate in a student exchange program abroad.

This is why we’ll examine closely the definition of parent consent, its components, and how it differs from a parent permission form.

Parent Consent Form vs. Parent Permission Form?

To begin with, a parent permission form is often about day-to-day decisions. It could be the permission to go for a school picnic on weekends or undergo a regular dental checkup in the absence of parents.

On the other hand, consent is a more serious matter, with high stakes and, at times, life-altering consequences. Consider studying in a different country or city for more than a year, getting a tattoo as a minor, or changing the spelling of your name in official documents.

Where Are Parent Consent Forms Used?

The parent consent form is mainly used in the following three domains:

Education: Parental consent forms in education is about letting the educational institution know that the parents are making an informed decision. This decision could be to agree to a new teaching method, stay over in school premises for extra classes and so on.

Healthcare: In healthcare, the parent consent form could have serious implications if not filled up. For a minor, healthcare decisions are largely facilitated by the parents, but in cases when the kids wants to get a tattoo or undergo surgery because of injury, parent consent becomes important.

Legal: The legal domain requires a parent consent form because a child is not considered a fully functional adult until the age of 18. Parent consent could be used in case the kid wants to adopt a pet, change his or her name, or travel abroad for studies. In fact, Microsoft requires parental consent to create an account to get access to Xbox and other tools.

Parent Consent Form: 3 Things to Have In Mind

Parent consent is all about transparent communication in a space where parents understand what their child has opted for and walk him or her through the pros and cons. Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing a parent consent form:

1. Clarity and doubt resolving: Parents must understand the nature of the activity, potential risks and benefits, and any relevant alternatives before deciding whether to consent. Hence, educate them before you give them the parent consent form to fill out and sign. Have an open dialogue.

2. Documentation is the key: In matters that could have serious aftereffects, verbal consent or a nod is not enough. Having filled out the parent consent form, there will be documented proof of the parent making an informed choice. Parent permission can be taken verbally, but not parent consent.

3. Uploading files: A parent consent form will only be complete if the parents upload their signature on the form. this is the online equivalent of signing a document. Moreover, there could be times when you’ve to ask a parent to upload documents of their residence proof and income. Hence, having an upload option in the parent consent form is a must.

Make Your Parent Consent Form with AI.

Two decades before, the parent consent form used to be a printed form that parents had to sign manually. Now, we have parent consent forms where digital signatures can be uploaded.

Plus, there’s more understanding of child safety, data privacy, POCSO, child rights, and more. Besides, more students are going on student exchanges and volunteering.

Hence, pay attention to how you approach the sensitive topic of parent consent for higher conversion rates in parent consent forms. Use WorkHack's AI to take care of this. Get started for free with our Form Builder now.