What should be done to prevent young children from accessing electrical outlets?

Using safety plugs is a highly effective method for preventing young children from accessing electrical outlets. Safety plugs are designed to be inserted into unused outlets, filling the openings and making it physically impossible for small fingers to reach into the outlet. This not only blocks the electrical current from being accessed but also acts as a visual cue that indicates the outlet is not safe for play or exploration.

Other choices may not provide adequate protection. Leaving outlets open, for example, allows access to them, which is dangerous. Discouraging children from touching electrical outlets may be difficult to enforce, as young kids often act out of curiosity despite verbal warnings. Painting outlets may not deter a child's curiosity effectively, as children may still find ways to reach or play with them, plus the effectiveness of paint as a deterrent is minimal compared to the physical barrier of safety plugs. Using safety plugs is a straightforward and proactive safety measure that directly addresses the potential hazard.