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Children, Babies & Toddlers

Sun Safety & Prevention

A child’s delicate skin can burn within minutes causing
irreparable damage - learn how to protect them...

Over 80% of all skin cancers are preventable by following
just 5 simple sun safe measures: Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, Shade...

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Do you know your facts about Sunscreen? Which to buy, what
SPF, UVA protection, how much to apply, when to reapply...

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Did you know that the snow reflects up to 80% of sun
burning UV radiation! Learn about winter sun protection...

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Is your child’s school or pre-school Sun Safe?
Make sure children are protected during school hours...

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Do you work outdoors? Is your workplace Sun Safe?
Find out more about Sun Safety in the Workplace...

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Looking after your children's skin

Young skin is very delicate and easily damaged by the sun therefore all children should be protected from the sun. We experience about one quarter of our total lifetime exposure to sun before we are 18 and studies have shown that blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma in later life. Parents and carers must take responsibility for protecting children's skin and eyes, as they cannot be expected to undertake sun protection themselves. Children (like adults) with fair or red hair, pale eyes or freckles are most at risk. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday. REMEMBER YOU CAN BURN IN THE UK AND EVEN WHEN IT'S CLOUDY! So take care at home as well as abroad.

TOP TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR CHILDREN ENJOY THE SUN SAFELY

  • Use shade. Keep babies in complete shade- under umbrellas, trees, canopies or indoors.
  • Cover children up. Dress them in cotton clothing that is loose fitting with a close-weave like an over-sized long-sleevedT-shirt or a sunsuit specifically designed for children
  • Don't put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors- Shoulders and necks get easily burned!
  • Protect head, shoulders and necks. Use bucket or surfie style hats with a brim of at least 6cm (for primary school children and older) or 5cm (for pre-school children). The wider the brim the more skin will be shaded.
  • Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses.
  • Apply a broad-band sunscreen correctly. Look for the 5 star rating when buying your sunscreen - 5 star products provide the best balanced protection against all UV rays. Use factor 30+ sunscreen before children go outdoors and reapply once they are in the sun to be sure of good coverage. Think of applying sunscreen like painting a wall with a textured surface, where two coats are almost always required for satisfactory coverage. In the same way, two "coats of sunscreen" may be required for adequate protection.
  • Lots of the brands of sunscreen have special baby or toddler products, which are much gentler on the skin. Some sunscreens are coloured and make applying them fun. Test the sunscreen on a small area of the child's skin before using it to make sure there won't be any reaction.
  • Don't forget shoulders, ears, nose and cheeks and tops of feet.
  • Always use waterproof sunscreen when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water.
  • Always reapply sunscreen after perspiring or after towelling.
  • Don't forget school times; remember playtimes and lunch-breaks. Give children a hat to wear at school, and, if they cant apply sunscreen at school cover their exposed skin with factor 30+ before they go. Click here to learn about our Sun Safe Schools and Nurseries scheme
  • Act as good role models and make adults set a good example when out in the sun.

IS YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL OR PRE-SCHOOL SUN SAFE?

Skcin's Sun Safe Schools and Sun Safe Nurseries national initiatives are the first and only accreditation schemes of their kind to launch in the UK with the key objective to prevent skin cancer through education. Sun Safe Schools provides UK primary schools with a comprehensive range of free teaching resources and policy guidance to ensure our children grow up with a knowledge of sun safety and are adequately protected during school hours. To find out more about the schemes and how to help get your primary school or pre-school setting on board click here >

You may also be interested in the following related topics:

Vitamin D DebateSkin Cancer FactsSunscreen FactsEarly Detection
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Sunbeds Can Cause Melanoma!
Sunbeds Can Cause Melanoma!
Sunbeds are not safe - fact! Find
out the truth and misconceptions
LEARN MORE
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
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Am I at risk of Skin Cancer
Am I at risk of Skin Cancer
Learn about your skin type level
of associated risk and protection...
LEARN MORE
Types of Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer
Examples, symptoms, causes
treatments and prevention.
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Spotlight Topics
Debbie’s Story
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
Real Life Stories
Debbie’s Story
BASAL CELL CARCINOMA
LEARN MORE
Kerri’s Story
MELANOMA
Real Life Stories
Kerri’s Story
MELANOMA
LEARN MORE

Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Virgin Holidays
Virgin Holidays
Skcin have partnered with Virgin Holidays to target the most difficult ‘at risk’ group of holiday makers and active tan seekers for all year round awareness
LEARN MORE

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