A report published by Resolution today has outlined the effect of a parent’s divorce or separation on children. Young people aged 14 – 22 were questioned about the impact of a separation/divorce on their schoolwork and behavioural changes.

The survey found that 19% of young people did not get the exam results they were hoping for. 65% reported that their GCSE results were affected, and 44% reported their A-levels to have suffered. Additionally, 15% of those surveyed moved schools as a consequence of the split – potentially affecting exam results.

Behavioural changes at school may go towards explaining poorer grades; young people admitted missing lessons and getting into trouble. Almost a quarter of the young people surveyed reported struggling with completing tasks, homework and assignments.

The report also revealed a link between parental separation and drug and alcohol habits, with 14% admitting to taking up drinking, or increasing their alcohol intake. 13% of those surveyed said they had experimented with drugs as a result, or had considered experimenting with drugs.

Wider impacts that were discovered include the involvement of social media. 20% of young people said that their parents had posted something online related to the separation, which had been upsetting or embarrassing. Almost a quarter reported that it was through social media that they had first discovered a parent had a new partner.

Chair of resolution, Jo Edwards, believes the results to reveal the wide-ranging impact of parental separation on young people. She said: “It underlines just how important it is that parents going through a split manage their separation in a way that minimises the stress and impact on the entire family, especially children, otherwise their exam results could suffer. Divorce and separation is always traumatic, but there is a better way to deal with it.”

Amanda Adeola, solicitor at Macks who specialises in Children matters welcomes the report and says that ‘it is important for parents to appreciate the impact of separation and divorce upon their children. This is a traumatic time for the family as a whole but dealing with matters in a way that ensures your children know that you still love them and it is not their fault is key to ensuring that your children are not affected to their detriment as a result. I appreciate that there is no good divorce or separation but there can be a better divorce and separation for your children.’ #abetterway

Source: Resolution