ABSTRACT:

This closed in-house seminar will describe a forthcoming ARC Linkage Project to be submitted shortly. The seminar’s title and content must be treated in confidence. The CIs are seeking critical feedback on the study’s design etc.

Digital technologies (e.g., smartphones, tablets and computers) pervade modern daily life, with many potential benefits as well as challenges for individuals, families, government, and society. For parents seeking to divorce in the digital age, it is assumed that these technologies offer greater efficiency, access, timeliness, transparency and accountability. This study seeks to examine the potential value (or otherwise) of smartphone post-separation co-parenting apps for improving communication and managing conflict. Specifically designed as a rapid assessment, the study will deliver a short list of recommended smartphone apps urgently needed by family law professionals and separated parents. The ultimate aim of the project will be to help keep families out of court, and improve the lives of children and their separated parents.

BIOS:

Bruce is Professor of Family Studies, and in 2018 received the Stanley Cohen Distinguished Research Award from the American Association of Family & Conciliation Courts in recognition of outstanding research and/or research achievements in the field of family and divorce. He has published widely in the area of family law, especially on post-separation patterns of parenting.

Jason Payne is Associate Professor of Criminology. Prior to joining the ANU, he was the Research Manager of the Violent and Serious Crime Monitoring Program at the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), and Principal or Co-investigator on a number of key research and consultancy projects with the AIC. His research is well known nationally and internationally.