Australian post-separation parenting on the smartphone: What’s ‘App-ening?

Abstract

In recent years Australia has seen increasing use of digital technology including smartphones and with that, increasing development and availability of online family law resources including digital applications (‘apps’). However, the extent to which online resources are being used – and are considered useful – by those experiencing relationship separation has not so far been the focus of Australian empirical research. After first briefly examining digital developments in Australia more broadly, we draw on recent data from 35 separated parents across four states to explore use and utility of family law resources available on smartphones from a ‘consumer’ perspective, focusing on apps. Our analysis suggests a gap between what is available, and what is known about and used by separating parents.