The electrical safety lessons every child and teenager needs to know

The warning follows a recent incident when Ausgrid’s General Manager Safety, Matthew Sweeting, saw teenagers digging a mountain-bike track next to a high-voltage electricity kiosk while he was walking his dog on Sydney’s northern beaches.

“They were simply having fun and building a track, but they did not recognise that digging beside electrical equipment could put them at risk,” Matthew said.

“It was a reminder that electrical safety is not only about powerlines, appliances and power points. Electrical hazards can be found in parks, backyards, on the street and increasingly around the technology we use in our homes.”

The incident is one of several real-life situations Ausgrid employees have encountered in the community.

“These aren’t necessarily things children are going to understand instinctively,” Matthew said.

“Parents don’t need to teach their children how electricity works. They simply need to teach them how to recognise a hazard and what to do if they see one.”

"That includes teaching children and teenagers to stay away from electricity network equipment such as kiosks and substations. If they see this infrastructure, they shouldn't climb on it, play near, dig or interfere with it. And equally if they see something that doesn't look quite right – that they report it so we can send a crew to investigate.”

“The good news is that there are some very simple rules parents can teach their children from a young age that can help keep them safe.”

“We want everyone to know if they encounter a fallen powerline, always stay at least 8 metres, the equivalent of two car lengths, away and report it to Ausgrid on 13 13 88. If there is an immediate threat to life, always call 000. Never touch powerlines, or anything they’re touching, and teach kids to tell an adult.”

Top electrical safety tips for kids and teens

For younger children

1. Play in open spaces away from electricity poles, powerlines or towers. 
Look up before climbing or playing outdoors. Never climb trees near powerlines and keep kites and other objects whether it be a drone, cubby house or trampoline away from overhead powerlines.

2. Stay away from electricity substations and power equipment.
Children should never climb on, play near or interfere with electricity network equipment such as kiosks and substations. The danger signs are there to keep you safe.

3. Water and electricity don’t mix. 
Keep water away from electrical appliances and power cords. That’s particularly important in the kitchen, bathroom or outside near a pool.

4. Never put a metal object in a toaster or power point. 
Metal conducts electricity. Metal items like forks and knives should never be put in appliances or power points.

For teenagers

1. Don’t use damaged electrical equipment.
Never use frayed or damaged cords, chargers, plugs or appliances. Damaged electrical equipment should be replaced or checked by a qualified professional. Now is a great time to replace any old broken charging cables.

2. Don’t overload power points or power boards.
Too many devices connected to a power point or power board can cause overheating and are a risk of fire. Check power boards and electrical leads regularly for signs of damage.

3. Charge devices safely.
Phones, tablets and other electronic devices should be charged on a hard, flat surface such as a desk or table – not on a bed, pillow or other soft surface where heat can build up.

4. Never attempt electrical repairs or DIY electrical work
For older teenagers who are becoming more independent at home, never attempt electrical repairs or DIY electrical work. Electrical work should always be carried out by a qualified licenced electrician.

For everyone

What to do in an electrical emergency

Stay away from fallen powerlines. Always assume they’re live, and stay at least 8 metres, or two car lengths, away. Never touch powerlines, or anything they’re touching and teach kids to tell an adult.

If you or anyone encounters a fallen powerline – such as after a storm or following a car accident – always stay at least 8 metres, the equivalent of two car lengths, away and report the hazard to Ausgrid on 13 13 88. If there is an immediate threat to life, always call 000.

About Electricity Safety Week

Now in its 25th year, Electricity Safety Week runs from 7-11 September 2026. Around 100 Ausgrid volunteers are visiting more than 50 primary schools across Sydney, the Central Coast and Hunter to teach students how to recognise electrical hazards and stay safe around electricity at home and outdoors through practical, hands-on learning. Find out more at ausgrid.com.au/ElectricitySafetyWeek