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Co-designing lithium-ion battery safety with young people: Building community capability through engagement
Lithium-ion battery (LiB) powered devices are increasingly present in homes and schools, particularly among young people.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has identified a rise in LiB-related incidents, many linked to everyday behaviours rather than device defects. Traditional safety messaging formats struggle to resonate and reach youth audiences, limiting effectiveness.
FRNSW has developed a youth-focused lithium-ion battery safety initiative that positions young people as partners in prevention rather than passive recipients of information. Schools are treated as community hubs where behaviours are shaped, challenged and reinforced across peer, family and institutional settings.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Education Program is structured around a “battery lifespan” model that aligns with how young people interact with technology in real life. Messaging focuses on early warning signs, high-risk behaviours and clear action pathways, supporting informed choices across both school and home environments. Resource development was co-designed using operational data, firefighter experience and direct input from educators, students and NSW partner agencies, ensuring cultural relevance and practical credibility.
Delivery is supported by tailored resources for students, teachers, school executives and parents, enabling consistent messaging across the broader school community. Firefighters play an active role as subject matter experts, strengthening community connection and trust while reinforcing prevention capability.
Pilot delivery across NSW schools demonstrated increased confidence in recognising battery failure indicators, improved understanding of emergency response expectations, and positive shifts in attitudes toward shared responsibility for safety. Feedback highlighted the value of respectful engagement and practical relevance in shaping behaviour change.
This presentation shares lessons from a community-led approach to emerging risk, demonstrating how inclusive engagement and co-design can strengthen prevention outcomes and build lasting community capability.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has identified a rise in LiB-related incidents, many linked to everyday behaviours rather than device defects. Traditional safety messaging formats struggle to resonate and reach youth audiences, limiting effectiveness.
FRNSW has developed a youth-focused lithium-ion battery safety initiative that positions young people as partners in prevention rather than passive recipients of information. Schools are treated as community hubs where behaviours are shaped, challenged and reinforced across peer, family and institutional settings.
The Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Education Program is structured around a “battery lifespan” model that aligns with how young people interact with technology in real life. Messaging focuses on early warning signs, high-risk behaviours and clear action pathways, supporting informed choices across both school and home environments. Resource development was co-designed using operational data, firefighter experience and direct input from educators, students and NSW partner agencies, ensuring cultural relevance and practical credibility.
Delivery is supported by tailored resources for students, teachers, school executives and parents, enabling consistent messaging across the broader school community. Firefighters play an active role as subject matter experts, strengthening community connection and trust while reinforcing prevention capability.
Pilot delivery across NSW schools demonstrated increased confidence in recognising battery failure indicators, improved understanding of emergency response expectations, and positive shifts in attitudes toward shared responsibility for safety. Feedback highlighted the value of respectful engagement and practical relevance in shaping behaviour change.
This presentation shares lessons from a community-led approach to emerging risk, demonstrating how inclusive engagement and co-design can strengthen prevention outcomes and build lasting community capability.
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