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| Sun safety for schools |
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Sun protection for children - information for parents and teachers
In the UK, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer with over 40,000 new cases being diagnosed each year and UV radiation from the sun is the most important factor in the development of skin cancer.
Children's skin is much more susceptible to the sun's harmful rays. In fact, a child's skin can burn in as little as ten minutes. Children, therefore, need extra protection from the sun as just one or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer in later life.
The best way to protect children from the sun is to keep them in the shade. Plan outdoor activities to avoid the most intense part of the day - between 10am and 2pm. Don't wait until it feels hot; in the cool air of 10am the sun burns as much as at 2pm. Sunburn can even occur in Britain when its overcast - up to 80% of harmful UV radiation can penetrate light cloud cover. When on the beach or skiing, its worth knowing that sand reflects up to 25% of UV rays, and snow reflects up to 80% - intensifying it further.
Slip, Slop, Slap
The best, easy to remember advice is Slip, Slop, Slap
- Slip on some clothing
- Slop on the sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
Dark, close-weave, baggy clothing is the best type. Preferably long-sleeves to cover as much skin as possible. Remember to change clothing after it gets wet; a wet, white t-shirt lets through almost as much sun as no shirt at all.
For all exposed areas of the skin, slop on the sunscreen, making sure that it has a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and covers a broad range of UV radiation. SolarSafe's sunscreen spray is ideal and is also available in convenient hand and face wipes and as a face stick.
Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun so that it has a chance to be absorbed by the skin. Re-apply when going outside. For children sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, and remember to re-apply after playing in water because even waterproof sunscreens can wash off.
Slap on a hat to protect the head. This is the best way to avoid sunstroke which occurs when the head overheats. The best are the Legionnaire-type hats with a wide brim and the cloth at the back to protect the neck.
Wrap-around sunglasses will protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them. Make sure they're 100% UV Protective.
Monitor each child's exposure to the sun quickly and easily with the solarsafe wristband. Ideal for school trips.
UV Index
Check out the UV Index forecast for the day. You can find this from the Met Office: UV Index Forecast from the Met Office
Sun safety for babies
Never leave a baby in the sun - babies burn much quicker than adults and children. Keep them in natural shade or use an umbrella or tent to keep the sun off them. Babies' skin can even burn in reflected light - so be extra cautious. Don't use sunscreen on a baby's skin as it is very sensitive and may not be able to flush out the chemicals.
Activities for kids
Greenhouse Maze
This game asks pupils to find their way through the maze by collecting items that will help them to be safe in the sun and avoiding those which would lead to increased risk. The activity is designed to stimulate discussion around sun safety and remind pupils of the main sun safety messages.
Be Safe in the Sun
This activity covers aspects of sun safety. It aims to include the five main messages of the sun safety code.
Further information
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| SolarSafe products are available from |
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