Closed petition: Make parental alienation a criminal offence

Closed on 5 August 2025

We believe the government should make parental alienation a criminal offence, to deter separated parents from alienating children from the other parent. Parental alienation is where a parent manipulates their child to go against their other parent.

The reason I think this is so important, is that I have seen many children be affected by their parents behaviour towards one another. I and many others are of the view that parental alienation can have serious negative effects on a child including mental health issues, low self-esteem, difficulty forming relationships, academic struggles, behavioural problems, self destructive behaviour, uncertain identity and damaged connection with family. Despite this, it is not a criminal offence.