Abstract

The use of restraint in children’s nursing is a sensitive and often ataboo subject. This article aims to encourage discussion on the useof restraint in children’s nursing. The topic of child restraint is notnew yet there is little research on its impact on the child, parentsor healthcare professionals. Factors which influence healthcareprofessionals’ decision to restrain a child are presented, andhighlight some of the distress and sensitivities surrounding the useof restraints. This is followed by current expert guidance on the useof restraint in children’s nursing. Finally some suggestions are maderegarding the variety of research that could contribute to improvedunderstanding of this controversial issue.