SunSmart is dedicated to helping schools create a safe and healthy environment for their students. Given that students are in school during peak ultraviolet (UV) radiation hours, it’s essential to take proactive measures against sun exposure.
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing skin cancer during their lifetime. In Australia, most skin cancers are caused by UV radiation.
Three ways you can have a positive influence:
The SunSmart program provides comprehensive guidelines and resources to help you ensure children are protected from the sun’s damaging UV rays. By implementing these strategies, schools can foster a sun safe environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of their students.
Join us in our mission to create a healthy, thriving community where every student can learn and grow safely. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our children, reducing their future skin cancer risk.
Making sun protection part of their daily routine helps children build habits that with help through throughout their lives. While minimising sun protection in the short term, you can also help teach behaviours that will benefit them as they get older.
By prioritising sun safety practices in childhood, you can help reduce an important risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life:
As a SunSmart member, you become part of a community dedicated to sun safety. Gain valuable insights and learn how other schools have successfully addressed various challenges, enhancing your own sun protection efforts.
With Cancer Council NSW endorsing your policy and procedures, you can be confident that you are on the right track. This endorsement ensures that your sun protection measures meet the highest standards, giving you peace of mind.
Schools have a responsibility to safeguard the children in their care. By creating a sun safe environment, you protect both staff and children from the dangers of overexposure to harmful UV radiation, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
Joining the SunSmart program is a powerful way to show your dedication to the health and wellbeing of children and staff.
Upon joining, you receive a sign and certificate to proudly display, signalling to parents and the community that:
By participating in SunSmart, you reinforce your commitment to creating a safe, healthy environment where children can thrive.
Protecting your school community extends beyond students—it includes our dedicated teachers and staff. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during adulthood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial for educators and staff to be aware of their occupational UV exposure and take proactive steps to protect themselves.
When UV levels reach 3 and above, we encourage everyone to adopt a combination of sun protection measures (hats, covering clothing, sunscreen, shade and sunglasses):
By integrating these practices into daily routines, you not only safeguard the health of your educators but also set a positive example for students.
Our sun safety experts are here to assist you. They will answer your questions and provide feedback and recommendations for your sun protection policy and its implementation.
We can also help you access accurate, current information on sun protection topics such as sunscreen, vitamin D, workplace health and safety, and duty of care.
SunSmart members receive a 20% discount when purchasing Cancer Council sunscreen through our retail store.
Cancer Council offers a variety of free resources to support your sun protection efforts. These include classroom posters, brochures and flyers for parents, and creative ideas for classroom activities.
SunSmart services review their sun protection policy every three years to maintain their membership. Renewal of membership is free of charge.
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