I have let my 2 year old hold both of my corn snakes and he already knows to wash hands before and after each holding session. He also has partially held a sub-adult bp so he is comfortable with the idea. He initiates a holding session at least once a week and will say, Hold snake Matthew. and point to which snake he wants to hold. I see nothing wrong in letting children experience any animal as long as its under supervision and the child and animal are both suited for each other. here's to a future generation of children who will respect and protect animals.