Letters | Hong Kong must do more to prevent broken parent-child bonds due to divorce

Readers discuss the long-term impact of divorce on children, the poor economic prospects of migration destinations, and why Hong Kong must embrace economic reform

Reading Time:3 minutes

Parental alienation can occur in high-conflict divorce cases, when one parent’s severe negativity towards the other parent is projected onto the child, who comes to fear or reject that parent. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 11:30am, 12 Aug 2024

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

Imagine the plight of a child influenced to despise a parent they once loved dearly. Parental alienation typically occurs in high-conflict divorce cases, when one parent’s severe negativity towards the other parent is projected onto the child, who comes to fear or reject that parent.

In Hong Kong, where divorce applications rose 25 per cent year on year in 2023, this grim reality affects many children.

According to psychologist Monica Borschel, who specialises in attachment and loss, alienated children suffer from self-hate and are more likely to fall sick, as stress manifests itself as symptoms like headaches and stomach aches.

Mental health experts such as Richard Warshak and Amy J.L. Baker have extensively documented the severe psychological damage caused by parental alienation. These children might experience low self-esteem, anxiety or even depression. The lifelong impact of parental alienation also includes a higher risk of substance abuse.

While the Hong Kong Family Court is making strides, it still faces a high number of cases, which means long waiting times. As the same family court case may be heard by different judges, it could impact consistency and continuity.