How to Discuss Bonfire Night Safety with Young Children

bonfire night safety

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is an exciting time for both adults and children alike. The colourful fireworks, glowing bonfires, and sparkling sparklers create a magical atmosphere that captivates young children. However, it’s important to remember that firework celebrations can also be dangerous. According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, more than 550 children under the age of 16 are taken to A&E in the weeks surrounding Bonfire Night due to injuries caused by fireworks.

By teaching children some basic Bonfire Night safety rules, can help prevent accidents, ensuring the evening is both enjoyable and safe for everyone. Here’s how to approach safety discussions with early years children to make sure they have fun while staying out of harm’s way.

Use Simple, Clear Language

When talking to young children, it’s crucial to use language they can easily understand. Avoid using complicated terms, and stick to simple, direct instructions. For example, you could explain that “fireworks are very hot” or “we need to stand back to stay safe.” Phrases like “fireworks and bonfires can burn us, so we have to follow the rules” help children grasp why they need to be careful.

Explain Why Safety Rules Are Important

Young children are naturally curious and may ask why they can’t get closer to the fireworks or bonfire. Take the time to explain the reasons behind safety rules. You could say, “We don’t touch fireworks because they could hurt us” or “Bonfires are very hot, so we have to stay far away to stay safe.” Simple explanations help them understand the importance of following the rules.

Incorporate Real-Life Safety Facts

Sharing facts can help reinforce the importance of safety. For example, you can mention that over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E each year around Bonfire Night due to firework-related injuries. Explaining that accidents can happen if we don’t follow the rules helps emphasise the need for care.

Use Visuals and Stories

Children often understand things better when they are presented visually. You can show them pictures of fireworks and explain which parts are dangerous and why. Storytelling is another great way to engage children—tell them about a character who follows all the Bonfire Night safety rules and has a great time. For example, you could talk about “Teddy the Bear” standing back from the fire, wearing gloves when using sparklers, and always listening to grown-ups.

 Set Clear Boundaries and Involve Children in Safety Plans

Before Bonfire Night, take the children to the area where you’ll be celebrating and show them where they can stand to stay safe. You might say, “This is our special safe spot where we can see the fireworks but stay out of danger.” Involving children in the planning process, such as helping them pick out gloves or a torch, can make them more likely to follow the rules.

Firework Safety Tips

Fireworks are often the most exciting part of Bonfire Night for children, but they can also be dangerous. Go over some basic safety tips with the children:

  • No helping with fireworks: Make it clear that children should never touch, throw, play with, or light fireworks. Only adults should handle fireworks, and children should always watch from a safe distance.
  • Stay back from fireworks: Teach children to stand well back from any fireworks, even if one hasn’t gone off yet.
  • Keep pets indoors: If you have pets, explain to children that loud fireworks can scare them, so it’s important to keep them indoors.

 Sparklers: Fun but Handle with Care

Sparklers are a popular choice for children, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some simple tips to share with children:

  • Wear gloves: You and children should both wear gloves when handling sparklers to protect your hands.
  • Supervision is key: Make sure an adult is always present when sparklers are being used. Explain to children that they should never use sparklers without a grown-up nearby.
  • Bucket of sand or water: Keep a bucket of sand or water close by to safely dispose of used sparklers. Teach children that once a sparkler goes out, it needs to go straight into the bucket.
  • Keep sparklers at arm’s length: Remind children to keep sparklers away from their face, clothes, and other people, even though it’s tempting to wave them around.
  • Under 5s should avoid sparklers: Explain that if they are under five years old, it’s best for a grown-up to hold the sparkler for safety reasons.

Bonfire Safety

If you’re planning to have a bonfire, it’s essential to go over some basic rules with children:

  • Stay back: Show children
  • where it’s safe to stand. Always ensure they keep a good distance from the bonfire, even if it seems small.
  • No helping to light the bonfire: Explain that bonfires can be unpredictable and very dangerous, so only adults should light them. Make sure they understand they should never try to help.

Stay Positive but Emphasise Caution

It’s important to strike a balance between keeping children excited about Bonfire Night and ensuring they understand the need for safety. Avoid focusing too much on potential dangers, as this could make them anxious. Instead, present safety as a way to have fun. For example, you could say, “When we follow the rules, we can enjoy the beautiful fireworks without getting hurt.”

Be a Role Model

Children often learn by watching the adults around them. If you model good safety behaviour during Bonfire Night, they are more likely to do the same. Always follow the safety guidelines yourself—stand back from fireworks, handle sparklers carefully, and remain calm. By demonstrating safe practices, you can show children how to have fun and stay safe at the same time.

Keep the Environment Calm

Bonfire Night can be overwhelming for little ones due to the loud bangs and bright lights. Prepare them by explaining what will happen. You might say, “The fireworks are noisy, but they’re not scary—they’re like bright colours in the sky!” If some children are sensitive to noise, consider using ear defenders, and always stay close by to offer comfort.

Be Ready to End the Night Early

For younger children, the excitement of Bonfire Night might turn into tiredness or overstimulation. Keep an eye on how the children are coping and be prepared to leave early if needed or have a quiet space where they can retreat if the noise and activity become overwhelming.

Fireman Sam’s Bonfire Night Safety Tips

fireman sam

Fireman Sam, in collaboration with the Child Accident Prevention Trust, has released child-friendly Bonfire Night safety tips for parents. A recent survey commissioned by Fireman Sam found that:

  • Accidents with sparklers, burns from fireworks, and road incidents top parents’ concerns around Bonfire Night.
  • Nearly a third (29%) of parents have worried about their child’s safety at an official fireworks event, and over a third (35%) have been concerned about the lack of precautions at private displays.
  • Almost a quarter of parents (24%) wouldn’t feel confident about how to react if an accident did happen.
  • A quarter of parents have never discussed Bonfire Night safety with their children.
  • Only 39% said their child would know to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing caught fire.
Kathy
Leatherbarrow
Early Years Consultant
Kathy Leatherbarrow is an experienced early years consultant with over 25 years in the field. She excels in improving childcare quality, mentoring staff, and exceeding Ofsted standards. Kathy is committed to providing every child with the best start in life.