Why your Child SHOULD NOT Charge Phones & Tablets on their Bed

Harry, Heidi and Jack all have their own electronic devices and I allow them to watch movies or play Minecraft (offline) in their bedroom. Thankfully, they don't have chargers in their bedroom and I have a strict rule where they bring their devices downstairs at 8:30pm before going to sleep. Take a look at this video from Electrical Safety First which highlights just what can happen if your child charges their phone/tablet on their bed (scary stuff):-

Electrical Safety First are a UK Registered Charity urging parents and carers to listen to the following important advice:-

• Don't let children/teens leave their phones on their bed
• Don't use a cheap/unbranded phone charger
• Don't sleep with phones under pillows

There could be devastating consequences

The charity have also put together this handy list of Do's and Don'ts for charging safely in children/teen bedrooms:

• DO make sure laptops, phones and tablets are charged on a hard surface such as a table or desk
• DON'T charge phones or tablets on your bed 
• AVOID charging devices unattended overnight
• DO make sure children keep their bedrooms tidy and dust free. Clothing over electronic devices and games consoles can cause them to overheat and catch fire
• DO get into the habit of the whole family turning off electronic devices (including TVs and gaming consoles) before bed
• DO NOT use fake or unbranded phone chargers
• DO check plug sockets regularly for signs of damage and scorching
• DO NOT overload plug sockets (you can check here)
• DO NOT put drinks near electronic appliances
• ENSURE children are fully dry after showering/bathing before going near electronic appliances
• DO chat to your children about electronic safety and make sure they are aware of the risks and what to do in an emergency

Please take this weekend to check your homes and think about how your family charge their devices.

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