Schools
Critical partners in the effort to improve sun protection for children
While it’s true that skin cancer rarely occurs during a child’s school years, much of the sun damage that causes it is acquired during childhood.
Sun Safety for Kids provides ideas and resources, including many little-to-no-cost steps, that schools could implement to reduce students’ sun exposure.
School Districts
Policy that governs all schools within the district is set by the board of education and is usually published on the district’s website. Some districts have adopted a specific sun safety policy. Those districts without one may have various other policies that impact it, for example a dress code that forbids hats. One policy that could inhibit sun protection would be a “no tolerance for drugs” rule that prohibits over the counter (OTC) drugs. Because sunscreen products are classified as OTC drugs this policy could serve to prevent schools from encouraging sunscreen use or even forbid it. Classroom instruction and shade on school grounds are additional sun safety concerns that are usually governed by the district.
On our School Districts page we offer information and tips to support school board members in adopting a sun safety policy, and to support parents in advocating for one. This includes a sample policy that was developed by the California School Boards Association in collaboration with Sun Safety for Kids. We also encourage parents to confer with a member of the school board or to attend a school board meeting and propose the adoption of a sun safety policy.
Tip: Let sun protection be apparent in outdoor photos promoting your school.
Elementary Schools
Sometimes individual schools are not aware of, or do not implement, existing district sun safety policy. Check your district policy and discuss sun safety concerns with your school principal or at your Parent Teacher Association. Organize volunteers to help teachers implement sun protection measures and to observe a Don’t Fry Day on the first day of spring. Check our Elementary Schools Page for much more information and ideas.
Secondary Schools
Our UV&Me program is a big hit with teens and tweens. These kids can be a tough audience sometimes, but they are very receptive to our volunteer medical students who inform and motivate them to prevent skin cancer. Check our Secondary Schools page for details on this program, plus other issues specific to the upper grade levels such as suntanning, school news, and spirit wear.
Teachers
Great educators don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. By using sunscreen and putting on a hat for outdoor activities they convey the unspoken message that sun protection is normal behavior. Ranging from links to our videos for elementary level, to instructions for arranging a presentation by med students from our UV&Me program, our Teachers Page has these and many additional tips for classroom and home educators of all age groups.
