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A child’s skin is very sensitive. Too much sun as it develops can damage it, although this damage may not always be seen. The amount of sun exposure and number of sunburns a person has had, particularly during childhood, has a big impact on their likelihood of developing skin cancer later in life.
Two in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70. Yet most skin cancer can be prevented by being ‘sunsmart’, particularly during childhood.
Children tend to spend more time outdoors than adults, so it’s important to ensure they are well protected from the sun as they enjoy their outdoor play.
Understanding UV levels and risks
We can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but we cannot see or feel ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It can be damaging to skin on cool, cloudy days and hot, sunny days. UV radiation comes directly from the sun. It can also be scattered in the air and reflected by surfaces such as buildings, concrete, sand, snow and water. UV radiation can also pass through light cloud.
Sun protection is needed whenever the UV Index level reaches 3 and above. At that level, UV radiation can damage skin and eyes and can lead to skin cancer.
To see what the UV levels are for the day and when sun protection is needed, go to the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather section of your daily newspaper or visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website. There is a SunSmart UV Alert for over 300 cities across Australia.
Protecting young children from sunburn
Whenever the UV Index level reaches 3 and above, remember to use the five sun protection methods: ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’. Particular care should be taken between 10am and 3pm, when UV Index levels reach their peak. Outdoor activities should be scheduled to minimise time spent in direct sun during these hours.
Slip – on a shirt
Use clothing to cover as much of your child’s arms, legs and body from the sun as possible. Choose closely woven fabrics that you can’t see through when held up to the light.
Slop – on SPF 30+ sunscreen
Some tips when using sunscreen with children:
- Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before your child goes outside.
- Apply sunscreen on all parts of your child’s body not covered by hats or clothing.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, as it is easily wiped or perspired off.
- Never use sunscreen as the only form of protection, as it can never offer complete protection.
- Never use sunscreen to prolong the amount of time you or your child spend out in the sun. You can still get sunburnt – even when wearing sunscreen – if you stay out in the sun for a considerable period of time.
- You do not need to spend a lot of money on sunscreen – just make sure it is labelled ‘AS/ NZS 2604:1998’.
- To help prevent skin irritation, use brands designed for children or for sensitive skin.
Slap – on a broad-brimmed hat
To protect the neck, ears, temples, face and nose, children should wear a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hat.
- Broad-brimmed hats should have a brim of at least 7.5cm. The brim width for children under 10 should be proportional to the size of the child’s head and ensure that their face is well shaded.
- A legionnaire hat should have the front peak and the long, back flap meet at the sides to protect the side of the face, neck and ears.
- Bucket hats should have a deep crown and a brim of at least 6cm (5cm for young children).
- Baseball caps and visors offer little protection to the cheeks, ears and neck and are not recommended.
Seek – shade
Try to use shade to protect your child whenever possible. However, even when your child is in the shade, UV radiation can reflect from surfaces such as water, sand and concrete. It is important that children continue to wear a hat, appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
Slide – on some sunglasses
Where practical, children should wear close-fitting, wraparound sunglasses that cover as much of the eye area as possible. The sunglasses should meet Australian Standard AS1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and preferably be marked EPF (eye protection factor) 10. There are also swimming goggles with EPF 10.
Be a SunSmart role model
Children copy other people. If you are SunSmart, it will be easier to encourage your children to do the same.
Convincing teenagers that sun protection is important
It is often difficult to convince adolescents of the dangers of too much sun, as they may be more concerned about being ‘cool’ than about being ‘sunsmart’. Here are some tactics you can try:
- Focus on the health and beauty effects of sun exposure – such as premature ageing, wrinkles, blotches, freckles or burnt, peeling skin. Teenagers are very conscious of their appearance so this may convince them to take precautions.
- Give them a choice – allow your teenager to choose clothing and sunglasses that they will be happy to wear and will provide protection from the sun. Some surf clothing companies produce excellent bucket hats and wraparound sunglasses that protect your child and will pass the ‘cool’ test.
- Work with your child’s school – encourage your school to develop and implement a comprehensive sun protection policy that includes relevant curriculum programs. The Cancer Council Victoria’s Schools Program can provide you and your school with the resources and support you need.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- Protecting your child from sunburn and long-term exposure to the sun can reduce the risk of them developing skin cancer later in life.
- Always use a combination of five sun protection methods – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
- Never rely on sunscreen alone. Prolonged exposure to the sun, even when wearing sunscreen, can cause sunburn.
- Encourage your children, whatever their age, to be ‘sunsmart’.
You might also be interested in:
Melanoma.
Skin cancer - early detection is critical.
Skin cancer - risk factors and early signs.
Skin explained.
Sun protection in the snow.
Sunburn.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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