Parental alienation is a common problem that can arise during and after a divorce or separation. It involves one parent intentionally damaging the relationship between the other parent and their child.

Parental alienation can take on many forms, but it often results in the child having negative feelings towards the targeted parent and a decrease in quality of the parent-child relationship.

In recent years, research has shown that the internet has become a major contributor to parental alienation in separated families.

A study by the Oxford Internet Institute found that 1 in 10 children experience parental alienation due to the internet, and it’s becoming more common as online use increases.

What is Parental Alienation?

Parental alienation is a form of emotional abuse that is often used by one parent in custody disputes. It involves turning the child against the other parent through lies, manipulation, and other forms of psychological abuse.

This type of behavior can damage the child’s relationship with the targeted parent and have long-term negative effects on the child’s mental health and well-being.

Parental alienation can include:.

Repeatedly badmouthing the other parent in front of the child
Limiting contact with the other parent
Interfering with the other parent’s communication with the child
Controlling access to information, such as medical or school records
Encouraging the child to reject the other parent

The Role of the Internet in Parental Alienation

In recent years, the internet has become a powerful tool for parents to use to alienate their child from the other parent.

The internet has made it easier for parents to spread false information about the other parent and even manipulate the child’s belief system.

The Oxford Internet Institute study found that parental alienation through the internet is becoming more common.

The researchers surveyed 2,000 divorced or separated parents and found that 30% reported that their ex-partner had used the internet to make false accusations against them. In addition, 38% of parents reported that their ex-partner used social media to harass them, and 16% reported that their ex had encouraged the child to reject the other parent using social media.

The internet has also made it easier for parents to monitor the other parent’s activities and use that information against them.

Some parents will hack into the other parent’s email or social media accounts to find incriminating information that they can use in court. Others will post pictures or videos of the other parent online that can be damaging to their reputation and relationship with the child.

The Effects of Parental Alienation on Children

The effects of parental alienation on children can be severe and long-lasting. Children who are encouraged to reject a parent often develop low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems.

They may also develop long-term relationship problems and have difficulty forming healthy attachments.

Studies have also found that children who are exposed to parental alienation are more likely to experience academic difficulties, substance abuse, and other behavioral problems.

They may also have difficulties with trust and intimacy, which can affect their ability to form healthy relationships as adults.

How to Prevent Parental Alienation

If you are going through a divorce or separation and are concerned about potential parental alienation, there are steps you can take to protect your child’s relationship with both parents. Some of these steps include:.

Avoiding negative talk about the other parent in front of the child
Encouraging the child to have a positive relationship with both parents
Respecting the other parent’s parenting time and right to communicate with the child
Avoiding using new partners or step-parents to interfere with the other parent’s relationship with the child
Documenting instances of parental alienation and bringing them to the attention of the court

Conclusion

Parental alienation is a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects on a child’s mental health and well-being. With the rise of the internet, the problem has become even more prevalent and harder to control.

By understanding the signs of parental alienation and taking steps to prevent it, parents can protect their child’s relationship with both parents and ensure that their child has the best possible chance at a healthy future.