Post-Separation Co-parenting Apps: Can they help families avoid conflict?

Research Context

The rapid growth in digital technology over the last decade has led to a prolific range of smartphone apps. A large number are marketed specifically to separated parents in Australia. Many are designed to facilitate communication between separated parents, as well as to aid with organisation, financial management and/or legal proceedings. How do separated parents know which app might best suit their circumstances, needs and budget, and which apps or app feature could pose risks for themselves or their children?

The wellbeing of children is at the heart of this project. There is a solid body of evidence to suggest that the interests of children post-separation are generally best served when parents can cooperate and communicate with low levels of conflict. Apps may have the capacity to reduce conflict and improve outcomes for parents and children, but they may also have the capacity to exacerbate relationship conflict – and it may be that an app that works for one family doesn’t work for another.

Research Aims

The objective of this 2-year study (2021-22) was to help separated parents and family law professionals make evidence-informed decisions about which smartphone app or app feature(s) will help maximise positive communication and/or minimise opportunities for conflict for different family types and situations.

Research Stages

Stage 1 – Practitioner survey: the first component of this study was an online survey of family law practitioners. This survey provides insight into professionals’ levels of knowledge and experience of mainstream apps, as well as any benefits or harms they have observed or anticipate with their clients.

Stage 2 – App rating: the second component of the research was an in-depth analysis of the most frequently used apps. This was undertaken by 15 mediator pairs who have comprehensive knowledge of the common, complex issues that separated parents and their children face – particularly those experiencing high conflict.

Stage 3 – User-experience survey: The third component of research comprised an online survey for separated parents who were currently or had previously used a post-separation parenting app. This survey was designed to capture the real-world experiences of app use.

Research Outcomes:

App Web Tool: The main aim of this project was to provide a free, web-based tool that parents and practitioners can use to help them make informed decisions about which apps may or may not best suit their respective needs. The tool is currently a pdf booklet that will be converted into a web-based display in 2025. For access to the Post-separation Parenting App Information page, see the below attachment.

Publications:

Heard, G. M., Irving, M. A., Smyth, B. M., Payne, J. L., & Althor, G. (2023). Risks and benefits of post-separation parenting apps: perceptions of family law professionals in Australia and New Zealand. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 45(2), 143–164.

Irving, M. & Smyth, B, M. (2023). Post-separation parenting apps: Potential benefits and risks in the context of family violence. Australian Journal of Family Law, 36(1), 90-104.

Payne, J. L., Smyth, B. M., Irving, M., Heard, G., & Althor, G. (2022). Family law professionals’ views of post-separation parenting apps. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 36(1), Online preview.

Smyth, B. M., Payne, J. L., Irving, M., & Heard, G. (2023). Popular post-separation parenting smartphone apps: An evaluation. Family Court Review, 61(3), 563-585.

Irving, M. A., Heard, G., Smyth, B. M., Payne, J. L., & Althor, G. (2023). Post-separation parenting apps in the hands of family law practitioners: Expectations versus experience. International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family, 37, Online preview.

Irving, M. (2024). Post-separation parenting apps in the context of family violence: Harm minimisation versus harm facilitation. Law, Technology and Humans, 6(1), 59-74.

Research team:

The research team comprised:

Professor Bruce Smyth, Australian National University (Chief Investigator)
Professor Jason Payne, Griffith University (Chief Investigator)
Dr Genevieve Heard, Relationships Australia Victoria (Partner Investigator)
Dr Glenn Althor, Relationships Australia Canberra and Regions / NSW (Partner Investigator)
Michelle Irving, Australian National University (Senior Research Officer)