We use cookies to collect information about how you use localoffer.wiltshire.gov.uk We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services.
Safety Advice for Children and Young People with challenging behaviours
Safety Advice for Children and Young People with challenging behaviours
Challenging behaviour can put the safety of a child or other people at risk and reduce quality of life. Ensuring a safe home environment is one of a parent or caregiver's main goals, especially for children with challenging behaviours. This leaflet is designed to help you access advice and low-cost products for improving safety in your home.
Information and strategies
There are different types of challenging behaviour that children both with and without disabilities experience. Think about the reasons for challenging behaviour and get support to implement strategies at home that can help reduce safety risks.
Tips for teaching your child about safety in the home
Focus on 1 or 2 issues at a time
Prioritise the most concerning areas.
Communicate with pictures, symbols, or simple verbal warnings that the child will understand e.g. 'hot', 'ouch', 'sharp','spiky', 'danger', or visual warnings such as red stickers or 'no' stickers if needed.
Try using social stories to teach or reinforce strategies.
Don't be afraid to try different approaches if one stops working.
Provide a calm space within the home
Where a child can go if anxiety levels increase and behaviour becomes more difficult to manage.
Ensure that this is a safe space with low stimulation e.g. softer lighting, lighter coloured walls, a screen/curtain, noise blocking ear defenders, comfy seating, soft toys or cushions.
Further action points
Consider using products to help reduce risks in the home. See below.
Attend a first aid course and keep a first aid kit to hand.
Think carefully about where to store dangerous equipment such as scissors, kitchen knives, tools, chemicals etc.
Remember: accidents can happen to everyone. Not all risks can be avoided, although it may be possible to reduce them.
Routines and rules
Impact challenging behaviour. Try to be consistent with routines from day to day so that the child knows what to expect.
Establish house rules and ensure that adults communicate clearly with children about these. Communicate with your child's teacher to share ideas on things working at home and school. Ensure a consistent approach and allow enough time for new routines to be made.
Remember to re-evaluate your home safety measures as your child grows and changes. Think about risks that may arise as the result of a 'safety solution', for example, how locking a door or window may impact if there is a fire.
Tap straps help prevent young children from turning taps. They can be fitted to cross-head style taps on baths or sinks to reduce the risk of scalding or accidental flooding.
Cost: £3. Similar products are available in novelty styles.
Toilet seat locks aims to prevent children from lifting the toilet lid to put items inside and cause a blockage. Various styles are available - consider how dexterous the child is when purchasing the lock.
Cost: £3-10
Magiplug replaces a standard plug and works on a pressure activated system. When an unattended bath reaches a certain depth the pressure plate opens and releases the excess water down the plughole prior to flooding. The top of the plug also changes colour when the water is too hot.
£8-12
Star locks and rack bolts can only be opened with a key. They can be fitted to internal doors or cupboards to restrict access to certain cupboards or areas of the house.
£6 each
Prolatch Lock. This style of lock forces a panel or door against a seal and holds it firmly in two planes. A safety catch is incorporated and provision for a padlock is offered.
£2.95
Sliding door and window blocks limit how far a door or window can be opened.
£2.98
A door ajar clip attaches to a door and secures it in a slightly open position. It has a quick release mechanism, making it easy for adults to open. It can be used as an alternative to locking doors.
£12.50
Window restrictors enable a window to be opened enough to let air circulate but not enough for someone to exit the window. Various designs are available
£5-£10
Socket covers aim to limit access to plug sockets.
£6 single and £8 double.
Headwear. For children who head bang, certain headwear aims to reduce injury, however assessment and advice by a medical professional should be sought before purchase.
TV or furniture anti-tip straps can be used to secure a TV to a wall or TV cabinet. The fixings allow the straps to be fitted to most TVs. Furniture straps attach to walls/furniture and are tightened to remove slack.
£4-6 for a set of 2 straps
Fridge and cupboard locks. This is a strong magnetic lock, which will only open when a magnet is swiped in front of it. They are suitable for kitchen cupboards and drawers.
£4-15.
Cooker hob guards. Can be fitted over the individual knobs on a cooker to limit access to gas and electric
£3-6
Stove guard. Can reduce the risk of children burning themselves while the stove is still hot
£15
Extra high stairgate. Ideal for children who are able to climb over standard size stair gates.
£40-50
Magic Blackout Blind is a temporary window covering that allows you to quickly and easily block out light. It does not mark windows and is designed to be taken down every day. Each sheet will last a for a few weeks of daily use.
£10 + depending on size of roll
Shatter resistant film. This self-adhesive, clear, safety window film makes flat glazing shatterproof. It brings glass up to the same safety standard as safety glass and helps to protect occupants from injury caused by flying shards of glass, if a window is smashed. It has a scratch resistant coating and comes with a ten-years warranty
£15-25 for a roll.
Frosted Glass Spray adds a semi-transparent coating for privacy. Apply to glass or mirrors. Not shatterproof.
£6
Camera Baby Monitor. With or without a video image, monitors can be effective in alerting a parent/carer, if a child attempts to leave their bedroom during the night.
£25-£100
Safety Door Adhesive Lever Locks deter children from opening doors. Adults can swing the lock away to open the door. £10-12 for 2 pack.
Corner and table edge guards are available in lots of different styles, colours and materials.
From £3 for a set
Finger print biometric locks do not have keys. They are unlocked using a finger print and can be set for more than one person. Various sizes and types available.
From £15 - £100
Cable tidy and wire covers. Various styles available for screening wires from sight.
£12-20
Safety net for stairs tie onto banisters to discourage children from putting limbs or objects between rails.
£5
All the gadgets above can be purchased through mainstream stores/websites. The following can be a good starting point when sourcing products.
Remap is a specialist organisation, which generates design solutions for people with disabilities and additional needs because commercially available equipment does not help everybody. They are happy to offer advice over the phone.
You can talk to your child's health visitor, school nurse or family doctor/paediatrician if you are very concerned about your child's behaviour and would like specialist advice. This is especially important if your child has learning difficulties and/or physical disabilities.
The Occupational Therapists in the CYPDT, may be also able to carry out an assessment, and give further advice, once the above ideas have been explored and tested.
Discover your local support in Wiltshire for families and young people with SEND, special needs and disabilities, from years 0 to 25. Services, advice and ways to feedback.
