Children today are growing up in a world where screens, apps, and online social interaction form a huge part of their everyday lives. For separated parents, disagreements about digital access, such as screen‑time limits, gaming, online safety, monitoring, and device boundaries, are becoming some of the fastest‑growing areas of conflict in private children law.
With the Government launching a new consultation on children’s digital wellbeing in early March 2026, the issue has gained national attention, prompting calls for better guidance on safeguarding children online and supporting parents navigating this increasingly complex area of co‑parenting.
This blog explores what digital wellbeing means, why it matters in co‑parenting, and how parents can manage online safety in a balanced, child‑focused way.
What do we mean by “digital wellbeing”?
Digital wellbeing refers to a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety in the online world. It covers:
- Screen‑time and device use
- Access to social media and messaging apps
- Online gaming and in‑game communication
- Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
- Privacy, data, and the risk of online exploitation
- The impact of digital communication on mental health
The recent government consultation highlights growing concern about children’s online experiences and the need for modernised protections as part of wider family‑law reform conversations. Digital safety is now viewed as a core welfare consideration, much like education, healthcare, and physical safety.
Why digital wellbeing is becoming a key co‑parenting issue
- Inconsistent rules between households
Parents often have very different views on whether a child should have a phone, what apps they can use, and how much time they should spend online. These inconsistencies can lead to confusion, conflict, and resentment.
- Online harm is increasingly well‑documented
Reports from domestic abuse and child‑protection organisations in 2026 highlight that online risks — such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and digital coercion — are now “hiding in plain sight”, stressing that digital oversight must be strengthened in family systems.
- Children use digital spaces to escape conflict
Where there is high parental conflict, children may spend more time online for comfort or connection. Without boundaries, this can magnify emotional stress.
- Digital communication is now part of contact arrangements
Many parents rely on video calls, messaging apps, and shared online calendars, particularly when relationships are strained. As digital communication becomes part of contact, disputes about frequency, timing, or monitoring can escalate.
What the new government consultation suggests
The 2026 consultation, while still ongoing, is focused on:
- Creating clearer guidance on what constitutes safe online use for children
- Exploring legal and policy safeguards to reduce online harm
- Improving digital literacy for both parents and professionals
- Addressing emerging risks such as AI-generated content and encrypted messaging apps
It reflects a growing recognition that children’s safety must extend beyond physical spaces into their digital environments, forming part of the wider modernisation of family justice.
How parents can support digital wellbeing when co‑parenting
1. Agree a “digital parenting plan”
Alongside a traditional parenting plan, separated parents can agree:
- Device access rules
- Screen‑time boundaries
- Age‑appropriate apps
- Shared expectations on privacy and supervision
- Agreed times for video calls with the other parent
This creates consistency and reduces conflict.
2. Keep communication child‑focused and non‑accusatory
Avoid approaching digital disagreements from a policing standpoint. Focus instead on what the child needs to feel safe, supported, and connected.
3. Model healthy digital behaviour
Children notice parental behaviour. If they see adults constantly scrolling or reacting emotionally to online content, they are more likely to form unhealthy habits.
4. Stay informed about online risks and trends
With new apps and social platforms emerging constantly, parents should keep up‑to‑date with:
- Privacy settings
- Reporting tools
- Age limits
- Online harassment risks
- Gaming chat functions
This aligns with concerns raised in 2026 about the need for professional and parental education in digital safeguarding.
5. Include digital conduct in child arrangements discussions
If digital disputes are contributing to conflict, they can be raised through:
- Mediation
- Parenting coordination
- Solicitor negotiation
- Court orders in more serious cases
Courts are increasingly willing to consider digital safety as part of a child’s welfare needs.
How the Family Court is likely to view digital wellbeing in 2026
While formal guidance is still developing, several trends are emerging:
- Children’s digital safety is part of safeguarding, not a lifestyle preference.
- The focus is on age‑appropriate use, not blanket restrictions.
- Courts expect parents to communicate and cooperate, not use digital issues as a battleground.
- Where there are welfare risks (e.g., online grooming, exposure to harmful content, or coercive control through digital means), courts may build digital safeguards into orders.
As digital environments increasingly overlap with children’s daily lives, family law must adapt — and 2026 marks a clear turning point in that direction.
Final thoughts
Digital wellbeing is no longer a side issue in co‑parenting, it’s central to a child’s emotional and psychological safety. With the Government’s recent consultation signalling major policy attention, parents and practitioners need to be proactive, informed, and collaborative in navigating the digital landscape.
For separated parents, the goal isn’t to eliminate digital access, but to ensure it is safe, developmentally appropriate, and consistent across both homes.
How can we help?
Rina Mistry is a Legal Director in our Family Law team, advising on a wide range of family law work, and in particular specialising in private children law, international family matters, and domestic abuse.
If you need any advice concerning the gender neutrality in domestic abuse and other subjects discussed above, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our solicitors can provide, along with details of our hourly rates.
For more information or advice, please call Rina or another member of our team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0808 258 0461 or contact us via our online form.
Contact usIf this article relates to a specific case/cases, please note that the facts of this case/cases are correct at the time of writing.