How to Teach Your Children Electrical Safety at Home

Switched On WA Electrical & Air
Jun 28
3 min read

Electricity powers almost everything in our homes — from the lights we switch on in the morning to the devices our kids use every day. But for young children, electricity is an invisible danger they don't yet understand. Teaching **electrical safety for children** early is one of the most important things you can do as a parent to protect your family.

At Switched On WA Electrical & Air, we work with Perth homeowners every day, and we've seen firsthand how preventable many household electrical accidents are. Here's our practical guide to help you start the conversation with your kids.

Start With the Basics: Electricity Is Not a Toy

Young children are naturally curious, and outlets, cords, and switches are all at eye level and within reach. Before they can read or attend school, kids should learn three simple rules:

Never put fingers or objects into power points
Never touch electrical appliances near water
Always ask a grown-up before plugging anything in

Keep it simple, repeat it often, and make it part of everyday routines — just like looking both ways before crossing the road.

Age-by-Age Guide to Teaching Electrical Safety for Children

Toddlers (1–3 years)

At this age, physical safeguards matter most. Install safety covers on all unused power points throughout your Perth home. Keep cords tucked away and out of reach. Don't rely on teaching alone — the environment needs to be made safe.

Preschoolers (3–5 years)

Start using simple language: Electricity can give you a very bad hurt — it's not safe to touch. Use picture books or short videos designed for young children to introduce the concept. Make it real by pointing to outlets and appliances around your home.

Primary school age (6–12 years)

Children this age can understand cause and effect. Explain that electricity travels through wires and can travel through people too, which is what makes it dangerous.

Teach them:

To never use electrical devices near pools, bathtubs, or sinks
To tell an adult if they see a frayed cord or a sparking outlet
To never overload power boards
To keep metallic objects away from toasters and other appliances

Teenagers (13+)

Teens can handle more responsibility with technology, but that comes with greater risk. Teach them about electrical safety for children that scales into adult habits — like not charging devices under pillows, not using phones in the bath, and understanding what a circuit breaker does and when to call a professional.

Child reaching toward power outlet — electrical safety for children at home in Perth

Make Your Perth Home Electrically Safe

Teaching kids is only part of the equation. Your home environment plays a huge role in electrical safety for children. Here are a few things to check:

Install safety switches (RCDs): Safety switches cut power in milliseconds if a fault is detected. Every Perth home should have them on all circuits — not just lighting and power. [Book an inspection with Switched On WA](#) to check your switchboard.
Replace damaged cords immediately: Frayed or cracked cords are a serious hazard, especially in homes with young children.
Use childproof outlet covers: These are an inexpensive and effective layer of protection for toddlers.
Secure power boards: Keep them off the floor and away from play areas.

What to Do in an Electrical Emergency

Make sure older children know what to do if someone receives an electric shock:

1. Do not touch the person — electricity can pass through them to you

2. Turn off the power at the switchboard if it is safe to do so

3. Call 000 immediately

4. Do not use water on an electrical fire — use a dry powder extinguisher or get out of the house

Practice this with your kids the same way you'd practice a fire escape plan.

Talk About It Regularly

Electrical safety for children isn't a one-time conversation. As kids grow, their access to devices, appliances, and outdoor electrical equipment changes. Keep the conversation going — at dinner, during home maintenance, or when something related comes up in the news.

Need a Hand Making Your Home Safer?

At Switched On WA Electrical & Air, we're proud to serve families across Perth and surrounding suburbs with reliable, licensed electrical services. From safety switch installations to full home inspections, we're here to give you peace of mind.