Services 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 services during peak UV times
• Services can create sun safe environments and influence sun protection behaviours through education and role modelling.
As a SunSmart service you can be confident you are implementing an approved Sun Protection Policy that meets all the Quality Areas in the National Quality Framework (NQF). See how here!
Each service is responsible for developing, putting into action and regularly reviewing its own sun protection policy.
You are welcome to copy the Cancer Council NSW SunSmart policy template for Early Childhood Education and Care services or use it to guide in 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:
- Scheduling outdoor activities outside of peak UV times
- Using shade
- Wearing sun smart hats
- Wearing sun-safe clothing
- Applying at least SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen, and re-applying every 2 hours
- Role modelling by teachers and staff
- Wearing sunglasses
- Teaching about sun protection
- Providing information to the school community
- Reviewing your school’s sun protection policy every three years.
For policy support or advice, you can also contact SunSmart.
You can become a SunSmart service in three easy steps!
- Complete the Contact Details Form
- Agree to implement the Cancer Council NSW SunSmart policy or prepare your own sun protection policy
- Email your completed forms to sunsmart@nswcc.org.au
SunSmart membership is valid for three years. Check your SunSmart status here, and renew your free three year SunSmart membership online by logging in here.