How do you become a SunSmart school?
You can become a SunSmart school in three easy steps!
- Complete the Primary School SunSmart Contact Details Form.
- Agree to implement the Cancer Council NSW SunSmart policy or prepare your own sun protection policy.
- Email your completed forms to [email protected].
What are SunSmart schools?
National SunSmart Schools Program Students are in school when daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels are at their peak, meaning schools are uniquely placed to educate about sun protection behaviour, minimise UVR exposure and ultimately reduce a student’s lifetime risk of skin cancer.
What is the SunSmart policy?
A comprehensive SunSmart policy provides clear, evidence-based guidelines that address sun protective behaviours, environments and learning to minimise UV exposure and skin cancer risk. Ideally staff, children and families are involved in the development and review of the SunSmart policy.
What are the seven SunSmart program recommendations?
One example is an adaptation of the action song, The Seven Steps with each step being a SunSmart action: put on protective clothing, put on a hat, apply sunscreen, put on sunglasses, find some shade and play.
What are the SunSmart months?
In Victoria sun protection is usually required from mid-August to the end of April when the UV reaches 3 and above.
Can babies under 6 months old wear sunscreen?
The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping newborns and babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. The best sun protection for these infants is to stay in the shade.
What does a SunSmart policy need to include?
A good sun protection policy should: provide or encourage participants and officials to wear sun-protective clothing (as part of the team uniform and during training sessions) that covers as much skin as possible. encourage players and spectators to come to events with sunscreen, clothing, shade, hats and sunglasses.
Do schools apply sunscreen?
By law, schools are allowed to apply sunscreen to children. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that, ‘health and safety legislation does not prevent school staff from applying or helping pupils apply sun cream.
How do you stay at SunSmart?
For the best protection, use all five SunSmart steps:
- Slip on covering clothing. Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, for example, collared shirts with long sleeves.
- Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen.
- Slap on a hat.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on some sunglasses.
Why do we need to be SunSmart?
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. UV damage also causes sunburn, tanning, premature ageing and eye damage. The good news is you can prevent damage – and skin cancer – by being SunSmart. Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher.
Can you get sunburnt at 6pm?
A common misconception about sunscreen is that you should only be applying and reapplying it when the sun is out and high in the sky. If you’re wondering whether you can get sunburn into the late afternoon or evening hours, the simple answer is yes.
Is the SunSmart program free for primary schools?
SunSmart is a free program partnering with primary schools, early childhood education and care services, and out of school hours services to develop and implement a best-practice sun protection policy. Check your SunSmart status
When was the SunSmart program introduced in Victoria?
The SunSmart Schools Program was introduced by Cancer Council Victoria in 1994, with the Early Childhood Program following in 1996. Prior to this only 19% of primary schools reported hat wearing, and only 2% of preschools reported hats being available.
Are there any SunSmart schools in Western Australia?
Currently the National SunSmart Schools program is only offered to secondary schools in Western Australia and Victoria.
When did the SunSmart schools and early childhood program start?
The SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Membership Program started in the early 1990s to help raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and sun protection. We recommend all early childhood services and schools develop and implement a comprehensive, evidence-based sun protection policy to reduce UV exposure and associated risks.
