Youngsters left to their own devices

YOUNGSTERS LEFT TO THEIR OWN DEVICES WITH ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN THE HOME One in ten parents would allow a young child to use a potentially dangerous electrical appliance, such as an iron or cooker, without supervision, according to the latest research by leading electrical retailer Currys. As part if its on-going commitment to making the home a safer place, Currys supports Child Safety Week (17-23 June 2002) and with the launch if its 'Switched on to Safety' campaign aims to help reduce accidents in the home. The Currys 'Switched On To Safety' report, carried out in association with the Good Housekeeping Institute, found that 36 per cent of respondents would allow a child aged 10 or under to use a kettle or toaster unsupervised. Thirty per cent would allow a child in the same age group to use a microwave without any help, and one in ten a cooker or an iron. The report, which surveyed 2000 households nationwide, also reveals that many parents may be providing inadequate safety advice to children, with only 11 percent of mothers warning their children not to play with switches, plugs and electrical wires. Only four in ten had warned their siblings to keep away from electrical sockets and three in ten had taught them not to poke objects into sockets. Eileen Hayes, independent childcare expert, said: "Although it is important for parents to encourage a child's independence, letting them try out new skills when they feel they are ready, this must always be balanced by safety considerations, particularly when there is potentially a danger of serious injury or even death." Equally disturbing is the finding in the Currys report that only 18 per cent had warned their children about the dangers of mixing water and electricity. Seventy three per cent of respondents did not have child resistant socket covers, 87 per cent did not have a hob protector and 95 per cent did not have a cooker door guard. Thirty eight per cent of respondents did not have a residual current device (RCD) and one in 10 did not have a smoke alarm. Many accidents were caused by carelessness, such as trailing flexes, failing to turn off electrical appliances and spilling water. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), more than a million UK children under the age of 15 are treated in casualty every year as a result of accidents in and around the home. Patricia Schofield, head of product testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, said: "Electricity is obviously an essential part of our lives, but carelessness costs. Helping children to understand and avoid the risks of electricity misuse should play a valuable role in minimising accidents in the home." Currys' 'Switched On To Safety' Campaign has produced an information leaflet, which is available throughout their network of stores nationwide and on-line at www.currys.co.uk/safety, providing important safety tips and advice to parents on electrical home safety. In addition, Currys has launched a schools education campaign in the form of an interactive CD Rom. It has been sent to every primary school across the UK and guides children and teachers through the best practice in electrical safety in the home. -ends- For more information or for a copy of the CD Rom, contact: Gemma Shears 020 7563 6406 Karen Donovan 01442 355744 Carol Spicer 01442 354515 Currys is Britain's biggest electrical retailer with 384 stores in the UK and four in Ireland. It is part of Dixons Group plc, Europe's largest specialist retailer of consumer electronics. The Dixons Group has more than 1,250 stores across the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Nordic countries, France and Spain. It trades as Dixons, Currys, PC World and The Link in the UK and Ireland, Elkjøp in the Nordic countries and PC City in Spain and France. Since November 2001, the Dixons Group has owned 24% of the Italian electrical retailer, UniEuro. The Group specialises in the sale of high technology consumer electronics, personal computers, domestic appliances, photographic equipment, communication products and related financial and after-sales services. The Currys 'Switched on to Safety' study was conducted in association with the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI). The GHI is the consumer research centre of Good Housekeeping magazine, is unique and one of the most highly acclaimed champions of consumer rights. Since its foundation in 1924, the GHI has been setting benchmarks for quality. Over the years, it has established a reputation as a credible authority on consumer products, dedicated to giving the best advice. Each product researched at the GHI is based on real-life testing from a consumer's perspective. The GHI allows consumers to have confidence when buying products - confidence to know that not only are products good value and work as they should, but that through the GHI they receive fair, unbiased buying advice. About RoSPA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is one of the world's leading safety organisations. A registered charity with more than 80 years experience in accident prevention, RoSPA campaigns and gives advice on safety in the home, on the road, at work, at leisure and on the water. The Society also promotes safety education and provides training and consultancy services. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/06/18/20020618BIT00320/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/06/18/20020618BIT00320/wkr0002.pdf