Children of divorced parents are often portrayed as unhappy youngsters who are likely to become unhappy adults.

Low self-esteem, depression and behavioural problems: these are the most common effects of divorce on children.

However, a new UK report says they are usually temporary and that most children survive their parents' divorce and develop normally.

With more than one in four children in Britain under 16 likely to experience the divorce of their parents, the report seems like good news.

But though challenging preconceptions, does it defeat them?

The absence of one parent does not play a major and lasting role in the child's future psychological health, says the report.

It adds that some children of divorced parents may suffer long-term problems but the divorce itself is not necessarily the cause.

So what do you think? Is putting bad behaviour and bad habits down to the traumatic effects of divorce just an excuse? Have you seen the effects of divorce on children? Are you one of those children yourself?

Does divorce cause children lasting damage?

I am on the verge of a divorce with my wife of 12 years but we have tried all we can to avoid it coming to this point for the sake of our two children...
Simon Charles, US

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