Do we cause harm? Understanding the impact of research with young children about their body image.

•The impact on children from participating in body image research is unknown.•Parent perceptions of impact on their child’s body attitudes were assessed.•96.8-99.5 % of parents reported a positive or no impact on their child.•0.5-3.2 % of parent reported a negative impact on their child.•Recommendations for research assessing child body image are provided.