A great first step is for parents to discuss with their children and teens age-appropriate ways of engaging with others online; to encourage exploration and creativity and opportunities to advocate on issues that affect or inspire them. Protecting their privacy while enabling this self-expression is key to keeping them safe.
Whether you prefer to consider yourself “childless” or “child-free,” the term is not one to take literally. Most childless couples do want children in their lives, even if they aren’t parents themselves. Finding ways to be a part of a child’s life isn’t always obvious.