Paternal contact lessens behaviour problems, says study

CHILDREN who have contact with their fathers following a family break-up suffer fewer behavioural problems, academics said yesterday.

Youngsters who have a close relationship with their natural father after their parents split up are likely to be less disorderly, anxious or aggressive.

Researchers discovered that children who had infrequent or no contact at all with their non-resident fathers were more likely to externalise and internalise problems.