Why aren't you Sun Smart yet?
Australia has the highest skin cancer rate in the world. I know, I have buried two friends in the last 12 months from skin cancer. Two out of three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. “We know” I hear you say, then tell me why do I see children still wearing caps? Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and it is now evident that exposure in childhood is a critical factor. The exposure children receive while young increases the risk of developing skin cancer when they are adults.
Skin cancer is one of the most easily preventable cancers. Whose responsibility is it to recognise this priority and ensure that our children are protected? Ultimately you the parent is.
Early childhood educators and schools also recognise their responsibility in daily management. They do this by registering with the Cancer fund in their state, namely the Sun Smart program. The Sun Smart campaign began in Victoria in 1980 with the slip slop slap slogan that means a whole generation has grown up with a Sun Smart message and still I don't see proper hats on the children.
All early childhood settings in Queensland have a Sun Smart policy. A Sun Smart policy is more than “ no hat no play”. It documents a services commitment to Sun protection and provides a reference point and guidance of implementation of Sun Smart practices. The policy should be inclusive of staff, parents and children and be reviewed on a regular basis. It is vital that your organisation has a written policy (not just a statement) which is familiar to both parents and carers. Have you seen your child's?
UV radiation is present all year round, so to protect children in summer only is not enough. There is no relationship between UV radiation levels and temperature. This means that we have to consider carefully our daily routines to minimise outdoor play during the peak UV times of the day.
So now to the nitty-gritty - let's talk hats. What type of hat is acceptable? And what happens to someone if they do not have a hat? These questions will be answered in your school or centres policy. The most protective hats are legionnaire or broad brimmed (8 – 10 cms) types that offer shade to the face, ears and neck. Baseball caps or peaked caps do not offer protection to the back of the neck and ears and are simply not acceptable! Many school/centres supply hats, but if this is not the case, the supply of appropriate hats I feel is the role of the parent, it's just one more of the many responsibilities we take upon ourselves when we become parents.
SPF 30+ sunscreen is recommended. The sunscreen should also be broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB radiation protection) and water resistant. Sunscreen should be applied liberally to those parts of the skin not protected by clothing at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply it two hourly if children remain outdoors. I have found over the years the pump action bottle containing a not so runny sunscreen facilitates independence and can easily become part of the tooth brushing getting ready for school routine. Some children may be sensitive to some sunscreens, if the one supplied by your school/ centre doesn't agree with your child, supply an alternative. All sunscreens now carry a ‘use by date’ which indicates the length of time for which the ingredients will be active. Like food products, chemicals in sunscreens can degenerate and not provide the sun protection factor (SPF) which they indicate.
Eye protection is an important component of your Sun Smart routine. Exposure to UVR is associated with both skin cancers on the eyelids and the development of degenerative changes on the eye surface. Sunglasses sold in Australia must conform to the Australian standard AS 1067. This is the most rigorous standard in the world. Wraparound styles are the best as they reduce any UVR entering the eye from the side of the face. Sunglasses for children are readily available.
Providing shady places for play should be a priority but remember that no shade gives 100% protection. There is a huge choice of manufactured shade materials available. The most important thing to remember is to be a discerning consumer, shop around, get good advice and make sure you have observed shade patterns change over the day before planning a new structure.
As you are aware children readily copy those around them so it is essential that staff and parents reinforce the Sun Smart practices by acting as role models thus reinforcing the message to our children.
Sun protection is more important than following fashions! Clothing is an essential Sun protection strategy and it is important to consider both the fabric and the design. By all means wear a skimpy singlet top on a hot day but make sure there is an outdoor shirt to put over during playtime. Clothing made from close weave fabrics offers the best protection. There is a whole range of clothing with fabric ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+ which is considered excellent protection. Shirts that cover the shoulders and have collars and sleeves and longer style pants and skirts are more suitable.
Early detection is essential. Check your skin for: new freckles, moles, sunspots or unhealing stores; a spot that looks different from other spots; a spot that has changed colour, size, shape or texture. See your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs.
PLEASE, I know you love your children - make being Sun Smart part of your daily routine all year round.
Eva Nislev.
(Montessori Links.)
Sources:
Working towards a Sun Smart Queensland-a policy guide for organisations.
Child Care Act 2003
National Childcare Accreditation Council
Queensland Cancer fund
The Cancer Council of Victoria
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