Australia’s 2023 divorce statistics have been released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), shedding light on the current state of marriages and separations across the country. With a slight dip in divorce rates, the data reveals some intriguing trends, particularly concerning the impact on children.
According to the ABS, there were 48,700 divorces granted in Australia in 2023, reflecting a modest 1.1% decrease from the previous year’s total of 49,241 divorces. Alongside this, the median duration of marriages, from wedding day to divorce, has nudged upwards to 13 years, compared to 12.8 years in 2022. Additionally, the median age at divorce also saw a slight increase, rising to 47.1 years for men and 44.1 years for women.
While these numbers provide a snapshot of the evolving nature of marriage in Australia, they don’t tell the whole story, especially when it comes to the wellbeing of children affected by these separations. Triple P – Positive Parenting Program expert, Dr Helen Stallman, a clinical psychologist and co-author of Family Transitions Triple P, is drawing attention to the impact of divorce on children. Dr Stallman points out that the ABS statistics do not account for the number of parents or carers who have separated but not legally divorced, a significant factor when considering the wellbeing of children.
Dr Stallman stresses the importance of how parents and carers manage the transition through separation or divorce. “Divorce itself isn’t harmful to children,” she explains. “It’s how parents and carers manage the transition that has the potential to negatively impact them.”
To support parents and carers during these challenging times, Dr Stallman highlights the availability of Family Transitions Triple P, a free online program made possible by Australian Government funding. This resource is designed to equip parents with practical tips and strategies, offering support not just in the immediate aftermath of a separation, but also in the long term.
With nearly half of Australian divorces involving children under 18, Dr Stallman’s insights and the Family Transitions Triple P program provide a vital resource for parents seeking to navigate this period with confidence and care. As divorce rates show a slight decline, the focus shifts to the wellbeing of those most affected—the children—and ensuring that they are supported through the changes in their family dynamics.
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