Sun Protection for schools
Protecting children and young people from over exposure to UV helps prevent skin cancer later in life.
Providing a sun-safe environment with plenty of shade and encouraging students to wear hats, covering clothing and sunscreen, helps set the foundation for lifelong health.
This health and wellbeing priority focuses on creating a whole school environment that prevents over-exposure to UV radiation.
This priority helps to bring together existing sun protection actions. It complements the SunSmart program.
Sun Protection Action Table
This action table gives an example of how the Healthy Places Framework can be applied to Sun Protection in schools.
Action area | Leadership and Commitment | Teaching & Learning | Physical Environment | Culture | Staff Wellbeing | Families & Community Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goal | There is strong leadership support and a shared commitment to a whole-school approach to sun protection. | Students develop sun protection knowledge and skills to consistently practice sun protective behaviours. | The built and natural environment supports sun protection throughout the day. | The school fosters attitudes, behaviours and values that support sun protection. | Staff have access to resources and support for their own sun protection practices. | The school engages, partners and collaborates with families, health services and community organisations to support sun protection practices. |
Example Actions | Incorporate student voice, agency and leadership in the school’s approach to sun protection. Communicate the school’s commitment to sun protection with the school community. | Provide a variety of learning experiences for all year levels about sun protection education including: • UV radiation • health risks associated with UV exposure • sun protective behaviours when to use sun protection • vitamin D considerations. Support teachers to build their capacity and confidence in sun protection education. | Incorporate shade and low UV reflective surfaces wherever possible in outdoor built and natural spaces to minimise UV exposure. Utilise shade in outdoor areas, whenever outside. | Ensure staff role model sun protection behaviours Ensure the dress code for students and staff aligns with SunSmart guidelines. | Provide evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and accessible information to staff about sun protection. Support staff to undertake sun protective practices. | Provide opportunities for families to be involved in the planning and delivery of sun protection activities. Share evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and accessible information to families about sun protection. |
Join today to see the full list of suggested actions, examples in practice and links to supporting programs and resources as outlined in the Sun Protection Whole-School Action Guide.
The Health and Wellbeing Priorities
The Healthy Places Framework helps schools support all health and wellbeing priorities through a set of action guides. Six health and wellbeing priorities areas each have their own guide, and a flexible action guide is also available for any health area while still following the Framework.
