More and more, kids today are becoming proficient in the use of electronics including; tablets, computers, televisions, and game systems. In fact, when the back to school bell rang this month, 40% of students in the United States answered it by going to their home computer and attending their distance learning program.
However, with all of this use of electronics, there is less of a concern about the dangers of electricity. Kids view their electronics as a means of education, entertaining, and a way to pass the time. But, no one thinks of their electronics as a source of injury. Here are some electrical safety tips for your kids to follow:
- Do not put your fingers, or anything else into an electrical outlet or a light bulb socket. Children should always be assisted by an adult when it comes to plugging in electronics to charge the battery.
- Do not put fingers or objects into electrical appliances. For instance, the microwave, toaster, or blender should never be played with by children. Even if these items are unplugged and turned off, the practice sets a precedent and it is difficult for children to understand when it is ok and when it isn’t.
- Do not take an appliance or electronic near or into the bathtub. While many electronics now are battery operated, it is an unsafe practice to allow your children to take these items into water. At some point, they need to be plugged in and your child might forget if he or she is used to taking the unplugged item into the bath.
- Do not let your child unplug any appliances without your assistance. For instance, when you are done with the vacuum, do not let your child yank on the cord to unplug it. Instead, you should walk to the wall and use the plug to unplug the item.
Set a good example for your kids. For instance, if you are in the kitchen preparing a meal or, cleaning up, do not use an electrical appliance with wet hands. Before you flip the switch for the garbage disposal, make sure to dry your hands. Seeing you be cautious will instill caution in your kids when it comes to electricity.