Rationale
Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with one out of two Queenslanders likely to develop the disease at some stage in their life. Research suggests that at least two-thirds of all melanomas occurring in Australia could be prevented if children were protected from the sun during their first fifteen years. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are also at their highest during the hours that children are at school.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Research shows that severe sunburn contributes to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage such as sunspots, blemishes and premature ageing. Most skin damage and skin cancer is therefore preventable.
With this in mind, Christ the King Primary School realises the need to protect children’s skin and educate them about Sun Smart behaviour.
Goals:
This policy aims to:
Provide ongoing education that promotes personal responsibility for skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Provide environments that support SunSmart practices.
Create an awareness of the need to reschedule work commitments and outdoor activities to support SunSmart practices.
To make students aware of the effects that exposure to sunlight have on our bodies – premature aging of skin; melanoma; heat stroke; dehydration
To familiarise students with sun protection strategies – playing in shade; slip, slop, slap; drinking plenty of water on hot days
Strategies:
All children to wear hats when outside classrooms. No hat = no outside play.
Children encouraged to apply sunscreen – provided by school.
Sunsmart Education part of Health/P.E. curriculum
Teachers to provide good role models by always wearing a hat outside classroom.
Shaded areas provided for eating and play throughout school.
Inside supervision duty on extremely hot days.
No outside sport/fitness on extreme days.
