About the SunSmart Program for Primary Schools

 

Schools are ideally placed to play a leading role in the reduction of future skin cancer rates because:

• Significant UV exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence

• Children attend schools during peak UV times

• Schools can create sun-safe environments and influence sun protection behaviours through education and role modelling.

 

As a SunSmart school, you can be confident you are implementing an approved Sun Protection Policy that meets the Department of Education Sun Safety for Students Guidelines.

 

The SunSmart Primary Schools Policy

 

Each school is responsible for developing, putting into action and regularly reviewing its own sun protection policy.

You are welcome to copy Cancer Council NSW SunSmart policy template for primary schools or use it to guide the development of your own sun protection policy.

 

A SunSmart policy ensures services are addressing 10 key areas of sun protection across the 3 key areas of environment, behaviour, and information:

  1. Scheduling outdoor activities outside of peak UV times
  2. Using shade
  3. Wearing sun smart hats
  4. Wearing sun-safe clothing
  5. Applying SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen and re-applying every 2 hours
  6. Role modelling by teachers and staff
  7. Wearing sunglasses
  8. Teaching about sun protection
  9. Providing information to the school community
  10. Reviewing your school’s sun protection policy every three years.

 

How to join the SunSmart program

 

You can become a SunSmart school in three easy steps!

  1. Complete the Primary School SunSmart Contact Details Form
  2. Agree to implement the Cancer Council NSW SunSmart policy or prepare your own sun protection policy
  3. Email your completed forms to sunsmart@nswcc.org.au

Renew your SunSmart membership

  1. Go to www.sunsmartnsw.com.au/login
  2. Login using your username and password. If you do not know your details, please email sunsmart@nswcc.org.au.
  3. Once you have logged in, go to ‘My SunSmart’ where you can begin your application.
  4. Upload your sun protection policy, fill in your contact details, and submit your application.

If you have any questions please email sunsmart@nswcc.org.au or call 02 9334 1761.