The Benefits, Drawbacks, and Safety Considerations in Digital Parent–Child Relationships: An Exploratory Survey of the Views of Legal and Mental Health Professionals in Family Law

Abstract

The surge in information and communication technologies (ICT) has provided alternative opportunities for maintaining parent–child contact postseparation. This article highlights findings from a survey study of 103 legal and mental health professionals who shared their views on the benefits and drawbacks of the use of ICT in parent–child contact postseparation. Results revealed a significant increase in the use of ICT as an enhancement tool for maintaining parent–child relationship in today's modern families. Professionals reported the need to develop specific engagement protocols to help mitigate and reduce concerns related to high conflict, safety, privacy, and unintended consequences related to the use of ICTs. We provide practice suggestions based on the study results that address key factors to consider when determining the use of technology in the facilitation of parent–child relationships.

Virtual parent-child visitation in support of family reunification in the time of COVID-19

“…Hostility or conflict between the adults can also result in a feeling of divided loyalty for the foster child, leading to a belief that she/he must choose between the birth parent and foster parent. These kinds of challenges are similar to the difficulties that exist for divorced parents who are in conflict (Saini & Polak, 2018) and may be more likely to occur in kinship foster placements when there is a history of intrafamilial conflict. Parents may try to manipulate the child or withhold information which essentially undermines the purpose of the video exchange (Ganong et al, 2012).…”

“…Separation from parents can be extremely stressful for children, increasing their risk for adjustment difficulties (Kobak et al, 2016). In order to bridge the gap created by separation between children and their loved ones, virtual contact has been utilized in a number of areas of family life including families with incarcerated parents (McLeod & Bonsu, 2018;Phillips, 2012;Skora & Poehlmann-Tynan, 2020), military families (Mathew-Juarez et al, 2013;Mogil et al, 2015), families with divorced parents (LaMarca, 2012;Saini & Polak, 2018;Saini et al, 2013), extended family members (e.g., grandparents) (McClure et al, 2018) and child welfare families (Iyer et al, 2020;Neil et al, 2020;Quinn et al, 2015). Research in these areas has found that children can benefit significantly in terms of knowledge development, emotional well-being and relationship maintenance from virtual communication with parents and others from whom they are separated.…”

Information and communication technology use among children separated from one or both parents: A scoping review

“…Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the needs, rights, and perceptions of children and adolescents when planning digital contact (Saini & Polak, 2018), as well as the age and maturity of the child and their preferences. According to Saini et al (2013), virtual contact forms could be integrated at any stage to become longer and more complex as the children grow.…”

“…Two studies reported on the perspective of both birth parents and children (Wolman & Pomerance, 2012;Yarosh et al, 2009). The remaining studies explored only the perspective of professionals (Quinn, 2015;Saini & Polak, 2018) or parents (Castelain-Meunier & Libbrecht, 1997;Dworkin, 2016;Maupas, 2019). Finally, four studies combined qualitative and quantitative methods, one study used a quantitative design, and six used a qualitative design.…”

“…The majority of parents, children, and professionals surveyed in the reviewed studies had a positive view of ICT use, both post-separation and during foster care. The perceived benefits include the ability to stay connected despite physical separation or geographic distance, have more frequent contact, and maintain an emotional bond (Birnbaum, 2020;Castelain-Meunier & Libbrecht, 1997;Macdonald et al, 2017;Potin & Trellu, 2016;Quinn et al, 2015;Saini & Polak, 2018;Wolman & Pomerance, 2012). Technology can also provide psychological and emotional comfort to young people in care by allowing for immediate contact with their family, thereby making the physical separation easier to manage (Birnbaum, 2020;Macdonald, 2017;Potin et al, 2020;Quinn et al, 2015;Simpson, 2020;Wolman & Pomerance, 2012).…”