First of all, I am NOT a coach, but the answer to your question seems fairly simple and straight forward:
1) Especially from a young age, an educated player is a SAFE player.
2) Your players have a distinct advantage when they know in advance how to handle an obstruction situation - in a SAFE manner.
3) Plowing into the defensive player obstructing the bag IS NOT safe, and also is not the way to handle this with young kids.
4) The batter/runner can brush past the obstructing player, without plowing into them. If they cannot get to the bag because of the obstruction, after the play is over (provided the umpire didn't notice the obstruction and call it) call time, and politely have a conference with the umpire explaining the obstruction of your player. Make it a teaching/learning experience.
There is NO REASON young kids should be left in the dark about how to handle obstruction situations. Using an "orange safety base" is, IMO, a lazy excuse for not teaching basic base running AND fielding techniques.