Sun exposure in the first fifteen years is linked to the increased likelihood of skin cancer, including melanoma, as an adult. Given this alarming fact, Cancer Council developed the SunSmart Primary School Program - a free national program that provides schools with sun protection guidelines, policy and curriculum resources.
This statewide initiative is supported by Verity Firth, the Minister for Education and Training.
SunSmart Videos
Watch these three short videos to find out more about how your school can help to prevent skin cancer.
Primary schools are a significant setting for promoting positive sun protection behaviour and have the potential to make an important contribution to reducing the lifetime risk of skin cancer of the children in their care because:
Students attend school 5 days a week and are often play outdoors when UV radiation levels are high.
Teachers play an important role in influencing students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
Teachers have the opportunity to educate students and families about the importance of sun protection and help establish life long behaviours.
Sun protection measures complement the OH&S and Duty of Care policies already in place in a school.
A visual commitment to sun protection increases the profile of the school within the community.
What is the SunSmart Primary School Program?
The SunSmart Primary School Program is a successful national skin cancer prevention program that supports schools to reduce student's exposure to UV radiation and therefore reduce their risk of skin cancer in later life. The program aims to increase the proportion of staff, students and families adopting sun protection measures by increasing their awareness of skin cancer and maintaining their commitment to sun protection.
A SunSmart statement/action plan addresses 10 recommendations in 3 areas: the environment, behaviour and information. The recommendations are:
Environment
Scheduling outdoor activities
Shade
Behaviour
Sun safe hats
Sun safe clothing
Sunscreen
Role modelling of staff
Sunglasses
Information
Curriculum
Information to the school community
Policy review.
All NSW primary schools will be invited to become a SunSmart Primary School partner through a formal relationship with Cancer Council NSW. The program recognises and values the sun protection principles a school is currently addressing while supporting the school to extend their commitment towards adoption of all 10 SunSmart recommendations.
Becoming a SunSmart school highlights to the community your commitment and leadership to the health and welfare of staff and students in your care. Schools will receive a large metal SunSmart sign, certificate, media release and ongoing resources to support your school community in implementing effective sun protection measures.
Develop a sun protection plan incorporating all 10 SunSmart recommendations. You can choose to refer to the sample sun protection plan for help, OR you can choose to use it as your school’s own sun protection policy.
