How to Teach Appliance Safety to Kids

by Marie Henshaw

Overview

Teaching children about appliance safety--and to respect electricity--should begin at a young age and evolve as children mature. Until a child has the maturity to understand and follow safety protocols, it is up to parents and caregivers to supervise a child's activities around appliances and create a safe environment for curious hands and minds. Education is key.
Appliance Safety for Children

Step 1

Assess whether the child is ready to use a particular appliance. Is the child physically strong enough to operate the appliance safely? Can the child read and understand important dials, buttons and safety warnings on the appliance? Is the child mature enough to understand what may happen if the appliance is used improperly?
Step 2

Teach the child how to use the appliance through hands-on instruction and by reviewing the user manual with the child. Review one step at a time. Reinforce the lesson by showing how to properly handle the appliance.
Step 3

Supervise the child's use of the appliance until you are confident in his or her ability to safely master its use.

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Appliance Appliance manual
Appliance
Appliance manual
Encourage the child to speak with you or another adult about any questions before using an appliance. Remind the child about what to do in case of an emergency.
Encourage the child to speak with you or another adult about any questions before using an appliance.
Remind the child about what to do in case of an emergency.
Don't forget to review the basics: how to safely plug in and unplug an appliance; never using an appliance with wet hands or leaving it where it can get wet; turning off an appliance when not in use.
Don't forget to review the basics: how to safely plug in and unplug an appliance; never using an appliance with wet hands or leaving it where it can get wet; turning off an appliance when not in use.