The guidance booklet “0-18 years: guidance for all doctors”, which has been sent to all UK doctors, is the first time that doctors’ specific duties in relation to children and young people have been defined by the GMC.

In the booklet the GMC – the regulator for the UK’s 240,000 doctors – sets out its expectations to help doctors make decisions that are “ethical, lawful and in the best interests of children and young people.” It covers a wide range of issues including: confidentiality; assessing a young person’s ability to make decisions about their treatment; child protection; sexual activity and contraception; access to medical records; and research involving children.

In particular it states that doctors must: involve children and young people directly in discussions about their care and take their views seriously; consider factors including the child or parent’s cultural or religious beliefs or values when assessing those best interests; provide clear and appropriate information to children about their condition and treatment; and respect children and young people’s confidences, being aware that the same duties of confidentiality apply as with adults.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the guidance and the “strong emphasis” it places on giving children and young people “due respect”.

She added: "I hope the new guidance will ensure children and young people feel able to express themselves and that they are listened to, as well as having issues explained to them in a way that they can understand.

"The guidance seeks to offer a framework which will provide doctors with greater confidence in dealing with children and young people."

Professor Sir Graeme Catto, GMC President said: “This is the first time the GMC has set standards for doctors specifically about children and young people. Previously our advice has only referred to children and young people where their position is different to that of adults; this document recognises that children are individuals with rights that should be respected.

“Throughout our consultation young people told the GMC that doctors don't always listen to them or take them seriously. We hope our new guidance will remind doctors of their ongoing duty to make an effort to communicate effectively with all their patients, including under 18s. The principles outlined in the guidance will provide a useful framework for doctors when they are faced with difficult situations – for example, respecting a young person’s right to confidential treatment whilst being aware of the need to inform others if there is any indication of serious harm to them.”

Bronwen Cohen, chief executive of Children in Scotland, said: "We welcome the publication of this important new guidance from the General Medical Council. This is a comprehensive and valuable publication which has at its heart the principle of respecting children and young people as individuals. The guidelines' emphasis on hearing and heeding the concerns of children and young people, treating them with dignity, and working in partnership with them are particularly welcome."

The publication of the guidance follows a three month consultation, with over 350 responses received from under 18s, 22 per cent of which were sent in by young people in Scotland. The Scottish Youth Parliament Health Committee were also involved at the drafting stage and discussion sessions for the booklet.

Grace Kirkwood, convenor of the Scottish Youth Parliament Health Committee said: “The Scottish Youth Parliament's Health Committee have been very happy to be involved in the production of this new guidance right from the initial drafting and through the consultation stages. It has been a fantastic opportunity for young people to speak out and help make a difference when it comes to how doctors communicate with them and we know that there was a very good response from young people in Scotland.

“We hope very much that doctors will take to heart the messages in the guidance about involving young people in discussions, respecting their views and rights to confidentiality ."

The guidance booklet is available at: www.gmc-uk.org