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Protecting a child from sunburn and long-term overexposure to the sun reduces their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Encourage your child or teenager to be SunSmart and use a combination of sun protection measures – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is known to be a major cause of skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before they reach the age of 70.
A healthy UV balance is important
A healthy balance of exposure to the sun’s UV radiation is important for everyone’s health. Too much UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood. It is also necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones, muscles and teeth.
Getting the right amount of sun
The amount of time in the sun needed for most people to maintain healthy vitamin D levels depends on the UV Index:
- When UV levels are 3 and above – most people require a few minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms and hands on most days of the week.
- When UV levels are below 3 – most people require two to three hours of sun exposure (over a week) to their face, arms and hands.
People with naturally very dark skin need three to six times these exposure levels.
Understanding UV levels and risks
We can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but we cannot see or feel UV radiation. The UV Index can reach 3 and above even on cool, cloudy 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.
To see what the forecast UV levels are for the day and when sun protection is needed, look for the SunSmart UV Alert in the weather section of your daily newspaper or visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website or sunsmart.com.au There is a SunSmart UV Alert for over 200 cities across Australia.
Protecting young children from UV damage
Whenever the UV Index reaches 3 and above, remember to use a combination of sun protection steps – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
Slip – on a shirt
Use cool, loose-fitting clothing to cover as much of your child’s skin as you can. If possible, choose fabrics that contain full percentages or blends of heavyweight natural fibres like cotton, linen and hemp or lightweight synthetics such as polyester, nylon, lycra and polypropylene. The tighter the fabric structure, whether knitted or woven, the better the sun protection.
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 can come off. Never use sunscreen as the only form of sun protection, as it does not offer complete protection.
- Never use sunscreen to prolong the amount of time you or your child spends out in the sun. You can still get sunburnt if you stay out in the sun for a considerable period of time, even when you are wearing sunscreen.
- You do not need to spend a lot of money on sunscreen – just make sure it is broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB), is labelled ‘AS/ NZS 2604:1998’, is rated SPF 30+ and is water resistant.
- The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends the use of a sunscreen ‘at any age when there is unavoidable exposure to the sun’ and states sunscreen is safe to use on babies. Many brands have a gentler baby’s or toddler’s formula. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide reflect the UV radiation away from the skin and are less likely to cause problems with sensitive skin.
- Store sunscreen in conditions under 30C and watch the expiry date.
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 ten 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 can still reach them so 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 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 that using sun protection isn’t ‘cool’. 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 will offer good sun protection and 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. 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 overexposure to the sun can reduce their risk of developing skin and eye damage and skin cancer later in life.
- Whenever the UV Index is 3 and above, use a combination of sun protection methods – slip, slop, slap, seek and slide. Be especially careful during the middle of the day when UV levels reach their peak.
- Encourage your child, whatever their age, to be SunSmart and maintain a healthy balance of UV exposure.
You might also be interested in:
Melanoma.
Skin cancer - prevention and early detection.
Skin cancer - risk factors.
Skin explained.
Sun protection in the snow.
Sunburn.
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