Inclusify.uk

Childless' has been used by some IT systems to describe IT assets, such as applications, which do not have a supplementary or dependant sub application. An example of a system, during recertification activities, asked users 'Permitted to be childless?'. When referring to people without children, this can be a sensitive topic (see below), though 'child-free' currently appears to be a suitable term to describe those who choose not to have children.

Why it matters

Using an ungendered parental framework as a simile for ownership of technical assets is not in and of itself problematic when used in a positive sense. Though it is unnecessary to use it in a negative one where it may cause upset e.g. orphaned; childless (see also: grandfathered). Specifically, this can trigger unwarranted personal memories of trauma and upsetting situations, such as the loss of a child through death, custody, or the challenges accompanied by infertility.

Instead try saying: