I am a single father and have worked with reptiles for over 15 years, as a result my son has been around snakes his whole life, even "helping out" dad on our daily reptile removal service.
Here is a photo of him 16 months old -
http://www.aussiepythons.com/modules...view_photo.php
To help you out with your question stretch.
Luke has always been taught that he can only hold special snakes that dad lets him hold. He has had it drummed into him never to touch a snake if he see's one outside.
He is now 4 years old & can confidently identify - tigersnake , dugite ,
death-adder , carpet , bluetoungue , bobtail & bearded dragons. He still knows that he is not to touch
anything that he see's outside, even though he see's me handling them everyday. ( Just in the same way he see's me drive a car but knows not to jump in the drivers seat , turn the key & give it a go!)
He knows the drill -
Q " what do you do if you see a snake ?"
A " leave it alone"
Q" then what do you do "
A "go tell dad" (or mum)
I believe that all children should be taught these words from an early age. In the event of a kid seeing a snake in the backyard or in the bush , then these words will come back to them. Kids are eager to impress their parents & show them what they have learnt, therefore leaving the snake alone & running off to tell you all about it.
after that it goes - Q "what did you do when you saw the snake?"
A "I left it alone"
Q "then what did you do ?"
A "I come & told you!"
After that you immediately rush them off to your nearest ice scream shop & buy them anything they want.
note None of our snakes will bite a human unless it is forced to defend itself. If left alone all Australian snakes will retreat , biting only as a last result when all else fails. www.westaussiereptiles.com.au 
