Childproof your PC

Kbang shows images of animals and plays corresponding sounds when kids press keys. It also disables function keys, is free to use and works with Windows XP.

A toddler’s view
If youngsters are not a daily presence in your home, there may be several hidden dangers that need attending to for when they arrive, so make sure the home office or computer area is safe.

The best rule of thumb for keeping toddlers safe around electrical equipment is obviously to supervise them. However, it is always worth taking extra steps just in case your back is turned at some point.

A good way to make sure the space is safe for a toddler is to get down on hands and knees and literally see it from their point of view.

Looking down from an adult height, it’s easy to miss hazards such as trailing cables, sharp corners or discarded objects that could be tripped over.

Pay special attention to bright colours, flashing lights, smooth surfaces and anything likely to be particularly appealing to a young child.

Take notice of anything that sticks out or has gaps or plugs small enough for little fingers to get caught in. Work out whether the gaps can realistically be filled or whether the equipment in question would be better moved out of reach.

Corner cushions are a discreet and handy way to help youngsters stay safe from sharp desk edges and you can get a pack of six for £2.49 from Toys R Us. The same company sells plug-in covers that make empty electrical sockets safe by forming a barrier from small fingers and toys. A six-pack of these is also £2.49.

Follow the lead
Make sure any trailing leads cannot be pulled, sending heavy equipment toppling dangerously over. Run cables along the back of the desk so they are out of reach. Visit www.cabletidy-direct.co.uk or Paperstone office supplies for products to help organise the mess of cables, reducing the risk of children tripping over them.

Alternatively, minimise the need for trailing cables by choosing wireless keyboards and mice. A basic keyboard and mouse set costs about £20 from Maplin, while Kikatek offers a Microsoft desktop set with buttons that can be customised for around £26.

Final checklist
Toddlers will use any nearby objects to pull themselves up to a standing position, so ensure that equipment is pushed as far back against a wall as possible and no corners protrude at head height. If you’ve been considering replacing an old CRT monitor with a newer LCD model, child safety could be another reason to do so, as flat-screen monitors are much lighter if they tip. Also be aware that some electrical equipment, including notebook PCs, can become quite hot to the touch. Apply the same caution to screen cleaner, inks, batteries or other dangerous substances kept near the computer.