Electronic Devices Pose Shock Hazard to ‘Tweens' and Teens

It seems as though today’s adolescents spend nearly all of their free time using cell phones, computers, gaming devices, MP3 players and other electronics powered either directly through an electrical outlet or internal batteries that must be charged.

As a result, the frequency with which young people can potentially come into contact with dangerous electrical current has dramatically increased. 

In light of this, parents should take steps to ensure that their children use these popular gadgets safely to avoid dangerous electrical shock that can cause burns, neurological injuries, cardiac arrest or even death, notes Clara E. Mayoral, MD, chair of the department of pediatrics at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

According to Mayoral, many teens don’t sufficiently appreciate the dangers of electric shock, and they often lack maturity, so it’s important for parents to ensure that the equipment kids use is safe and that they use it responsibly. 

“As children grow into adolescents, most parents allow free use of electrical devices, so the objective has to focus on education and prevention,” said Mayoral, who points out that many adolescents are careless when plugging in devices, charging batteries, managing electrical cords and other activities that can result in injuries.

She recommends that parents take the following preventive steps:

• Examine cords, power strips, plugs and electronic devices:  Frayed, cracked or twisted power or extension cords should be replaced.  Anything that sparks, smells or flickers should be fixed or discarded.
• Maintain your home’s electrical outlets and switches:  Outlets should not be loose or moveable; plugs should fit snugly into outlets.  Faceplates covering outlets and switches must be in place and screwed on tightly.    
• Keep devices and power cords away from water:  Water in sinks, tubs, toilets and washing machines conducts electricity.  Never retrieve a plugged-in device or cord that has fallen into water or touch anything electrical with wet hands or while in or around water. 
• Unplug devices when not charging or not in use:  Electricity is always looking for a path, so don’t give it any opportunity to leave a device, which could spark a fire. Besides, you’ll save energy costs by cutting unnecessary power consumption.
• Have an electrical safety discussion:  Review shock hazards with children, emphasizing the dangers and the need to be careful every time they plug in, power up or charge a device.  Children should not open devices; however, any time a device is opened, power cords should be disconnected.