Protecting Your Children From The Sun
The information below is provided by SunSmart - the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign from Cancer Research UK. For more information visit the SunSmart website at www.sunsmart.org.uk.
People at most risk have fair skin, lots of moles or freckles or a family history of skin cancer.
Remember the SunSmart messages
S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3
M ake sure you never burn
A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
R emember to take extra care with children
T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen
Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.
Remember to take extra care with children
Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun.
Children with fair or red hair, pale eyes or freckles are at most risk. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.
Ten tips for protecting children in the sun
- Remember you can burn in the UK
The Great British sun is quite capable of burning your child! Take extra care at home as well as abroad. - Know the shadow rule
If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safe from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun can burn you. - Use shade
Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors. - Cover them up
Dress children in cotton clothing that is baggy, close-weave and cool. Oversized T-shirts are good for covering most of their skin. - Use dry clothing
Remember that wet clothing stretches and can lose up to half of its UV protection – put children in dry clothing after playing in water. - Protect shoulders and necks
Don't put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors – shoulders and backs of necks get easily burned. - Wear sunglasses
Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive brands, but toy sunglasses can do more harm than good. - Find hats they like
Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun. - Use sunscreen wisely
Apply factor 15+ sunscreen before children go outdoors. Then reapply often to be sure of good coverage. Don't forget their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and tops of feet. - Remember sunscreen washes off
Always use waterproof factor 15+ sunscreen when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water. Reapply after towelling. - Don't forget school times
Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can't apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin with factor 15+ before they go.
Set good habits for the future
Remember, children spend much more time outside than adults do. By putting these tips into practice you will protect your children now and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Teaching children safe sun habits while they are young sets a good pattern for later life. For more information about schools go to our schools and children section.
This information is provided by SunSmart - the UK's national skin cancer prevention campaign from Cancer Research UK.
For more information visit the SunSmart website at www.sunsmart.org.uk.
