<p>Aim This paper seeks to add to the debate regarding children as researchers by exploring the reality of their participation in research.</p> <p>Background As the role children and young people play in knowledge building is recognised, their position as social agents is evolving. This has led to a shift in the ways in which children and young people participate in research, and in particular in their roles as researchers alongside adults.</p> <p>Data sources Two participatory research projects involving children and young people.</p> <p>Review methods The paper critiques existing models of children's participation and is followed by an account of observations made during the research projects.</p> <p>Discussion Existing models offered a variety of criteria against which to measure participation. However, none of the models allowed for the multidimensional nature of participation that emerged from the data to be fully described.</p> <p>Conclusion A dual-axis model of participation is more useful than the other models described in the text for reflecting on participatory processes.</p> <p>Implications for practice/research The model can be valuable in guide planning and implementing participatory research with children and also as a tool for evaluating the process.</p>