Children of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers are more likely to suffer behavioural or emotional problems, according to new research by the University of Queensland.
Parenting and Family Support Centre researcher Dr Cassandra Dittman said the UQ study showed FIFO partners were more depressed, stressed and anxious than other parents, and that affected their children.
She said FIFO partners were also found more likely to use harsh discipline with their children.
"When FIFO at-home partners had more emotional problems, they were also more likely to have children with behavioural or emotional problems," Dr Dittman said.
Given the fact stressed, depressed partners find it more difficult to parent well, Dr Dittman is worried about the FIFO flow-on effects.
The research was a response to federal and state government parliamentary inquiries into the effects of FIFO work practices.
Dr Dittman believes the study suggests more support is needed for those families relying on FIFO work.
"I think the important thing for industry and government is to realise from this study that there needs to be a focus on supporting the workers and their family and that a shift to more balanced or family-friendly rosters is likely only to be a small part of the solution," she said.
The research also indicated that FIFO workers reported greater work-to-family conflict and alcohol use than parents who worked near home.
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