Information and communication technology use among children separated from one or both parents: A scoping review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe development and diversification of information and communication technology (ICT) are changing the way family members communicate with each other, creating new opportunities for interaction. When children and parents do not live together on a day‐to‐day basis, these technologies may represent privileged means to keep in touch and maintain a relationship.ObjectiveThis article aims to review the literature on the use of ICT among children separated from one or both parents, paying particular attention to two contexts: parental separation and foster care.MethodA scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (Tricco et al., 2018). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 847 references identified, 11 were selected (six related to parental separation and five related to foster care). The literature dated from 1997 to 2020 and was particularly sparse and heterogeneous (e.g., the definition of ICT and characteristics of participants). Three topics emerged: (a) ICT practices and usage patterns, (b) ICT practices: opportunities and issues, and (c) sociolegal support issues.ImplicationThis study highlights the need for all legal and psychosocial actors to consider the place of digital technology in family relationships.