Staying Sunsmart
Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Children have delicate skin which places them at particular risk of sunburn and skin damage. In fact, sun exposure during the first 15 years of life has a significant impact on the likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life. The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting skin from the sun.
It is now time to be SunSmart! -
In Tasmania average peak UV levels reach 3 and above from the beginning of September to the end of April. Please help your child to stay protected from the sun by encouraging them to be SunSmart by following the five Cancer Council recommendations:
- Slip on sun protective clothing. Loose fitting, close-weave clothing that covers as much skin as possible (e.g., sleeves, collars and longer shorts and skirts) is the best choice. Avoid singlet tops and thin fabrics that do not block out sunlight.
- Slop on some sunscreen. Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside. It needs to be reapplied every 2 hours. Remember, sunscreen is only one way of protecting your child’s skin from the sun.
- Slap on a sun protective hat. Encourage your child to wear a broad brimmed, legionnaire or bucket style hat whenever they go outside. Baseball caps are not recommended as they do not provide enough protection from the sun.
- Seek shade. Try to use shade whenever possible. UV radiation can reflect from surfaces such as water, sand and concrete so it is important to wear a hat, appropriate clothing and sunscreen even when in the shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses. Choose close fitting, wrap-around sunglasses for your child that cover as much of the eye area as possible. The sunglasses should meet Australian Standard 1067 and preferably be marked EPF (eye protection factor) 9 or 10. Sunglasses that are sold as toys do not meet Australian Standards and are not recommended.
In line with Cancer Council advice and Department of Education policy, it will be compulsory for students to wear their approved (bucket- style) sun hat from the beginning of September- end of April. Parents can help by reminding your child to bring and wear their approved sun hat every day. If your child needs a new school sunhat, you can purchase one from the office for $8.50. All staff are expected to model good practice and bring their hats to school each day from the beginning of September too!
Thank you for your continued help and support!
