I use electric wire to _control_ my pets... One or two zaps and the dogs never go near them again.
Children? Warn them. Electric fencing hurts but it's harmless. If the child is stupid (or stubborn) enough to touch a wire once they've been warned, I'll guarantee you they will only do it once!
No harm done.
I've run the wheelbarrow up against mine and gotten shocked. I then have to move it away from it with gloved hands, or my feet with shoes on. It's just surprising and uncomfortable, it really does not hurt.
It's not like getting electrocuted or anything!
I've shocked myself when cleaning walls and accidently getting spray cleaner running down into a live wall socket. THAT'S different! An electric fence is no comparison to actually getting zapped by live current! Glass cleaner is a great conductor. :-P