With school holidays upon us, it’s the perfect time to engage your children in some fun and age-appropriate lessons about electrical safety. Here are our top tips on how to start teaching your children about electrical safety.
When to Start Teaching About Electrical Dangers:
When it comes to teaching children about electricity, it’s crucial to consider their age and understanding. While there is no definitive age to start, introducing the concept of electrical safety around the age of 4 or 5 can be a good starting point. At this age, children begin to grasp basic concepts and follow simple safety instructions.
Age-Appropriate Lessons on Electrical Safety:
Introduce Electricity Basics (Ages 4-6):
Start by explaining what electricity is in simple terms. You can describe it as the invisible power that makes lights turn on, powers appliances, and charges their favourite toys. Make it interactive by asking questions and encouraging their curiosity. The Wiggles (in conjunction with the Queensland Electrical Safety Office) even recently released a song about electrical safety, perfect for this age group! Check it out here:
Identifying Electrical Devices (Ages 6-8):
Engage your children by asking them to identify common electrical devices around the house. Teach them to differentiate between appliances that are safe for them, like lamps, and those that are not, like the toaster or hairdryer. Explain the importance of seeking adult supervision when using potentially dangerous devices.
Plug Safety and Outlet Awareness (Ages 8-10):
Teach your children about the proper use of plugs and outlets. Show them how to safely plug and unplug devices, emphasizing the importance of never touching outlets with wet hands or metal objects. If your child is using devices such as phones or tablets, it’s especially important to show them how to prevent overheating (i.e. don’t place anything on top while charging & don’t place under a pillow).
Cords and Extension Cables (Ages 10+):
As your children grow older, it’s important to teach them about cord safety. Explain the dangers of frayed or damaged cords and how to recognize them. Teach them how to avoid tripping hazards by properly organizing cords and using extension cables responsibly.
Outdoor Electrical Safety (Ages 12+):
Once your children reach their early teens, you can expand their electrical safety knowledge to the outdoors. Discuss the potential risks associated with power lines, substations, and outdoor electrical equipment. Teach them to stay away from these areas and to never climb or touch utility poles or transformers.
More Resources:
here are more great tips & resources by the Queensland Electrical Safety Office here https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/protect-your-kids-electrical-danger
plus two great informative videos and activities at https://www.endeavourenergy.com.au/safety/electric-kids
By incorporating these age-appropriate lessons into your discussions with your children, you can ensure they develop a solid understanding of electrical safety. Remember, teaching them about the dangers of electricity should be done in a fun and friendly manner to engage their interest. Together, let’s empower our children with the knowledge and awareness needed to stay safe around electricity, both at home and outdoors.
Of course, if you find a potentially unsafe electrical hazard around the home, please get in touch with us to arrange an electrical safety inspection.
