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
• for many months of the year, sun protection behaviour is still required after school hours when the UV is above 3
• services can create sun-safe environments and influence sun protection behaviours through education and role modelling.
SunSmart CCNSW and Network of Community Activities have partnered to promote best practice sun protection policy and practices in the Out of School Hours sector in NSW.
Each service is responsible for developing, putting into action and regularly reviewing the approved SunSmart policy for Out of School Hours.
Cancer Council NSW Out of School Hours SunSmart 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
- Sign a copy of the Cancer Council NSW SunSmart 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.