GMC consults on revised children and young people guidance

Published 24 September 2026

A consultation on proposed updated guidance to help doctors, physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) caring for patients aged under 18 has been launched today by the General Medical Council (GMC).

The regulator is seeking views on its draft guidance Children and young people: care and safeguarding. It is intended to replace two existing pieces of guidance, 0–18 years, published in 2007, and Protecting children and young people, which dates from 2012.

GMC guidance supports registrants to provide good and safe care, and is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains up to date, relevant and helpful for those who use it.

Combining the two previous pieces of guidance into one will make it easier for doctors, PAs and AAs to find the information they need, in what are often complex, sensitive and challenging situations. It is also designed to emphasise that safeguarding is a core part of providing good care.

The new guidance covers care of young patients from birth until their 18th birthday, including how to consider their capacity to consent to treatment, how to assess their best interests, and identifying and protecting those who could be at risk.

There is increased emphasis on children and young people’s rights, including the right to be actively involved in their own care, and taking account of parents’ understanding of their child’s health and what is or is not normal for them.

There is also new content on effective continuity of care, in particular the period when teenagers transition from paediatric to adult services.

The guidance is structured into six chapters based on key topics:

  • communication and support
  • working with, and involving others in, the child’s care
  • making decisions
  • confidentiality
  • child protection
  • sexual activity

Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC, says:

‘Doctors caring for children and young people can face professional and ethical challenges, often in difficult and sensitive circumstances. Our draft updated guidance has been developed to help navigate those challenges. It also recognises that child protection is an integral part of the role of all healthcare professionals, whether they routinely treat children or not.

‘Now we need organisations and individuals to give us their views on the proposed guidance. Their insight and perspectives will help us make sure it is clear and helpful for those who will use it.’

The consultation runs from now until Thursday 17 December, and the GMC is keen to hear the views of doctors, PAs, AAs and medical students, as well as organisations with a role in the care of children and young people. In addition, it is commissioning research and engagement work with people aged under 18.

To take part go to the consultation page on the GMC’s website.