Summer is finally here and even though the weather is so unpredictable, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t slip, slop and slap, especially on your children.
Cancer Council NSW is reminding parents to be sun smart throughout the warmer months and to make sure their children are sun smart at childcare and during the holidays.
“Exposure to UV radiation during infancy and childhood is a particularly important factor in the development of skin cancer later in life,” said Kay Coppa, skin cancer prevention manager at the Cancer Council.
“Parents play a critical role in protecting their children’s skin while also educating them about sun-safe behaviour,” says Ms Coppa. “We’re delighted to see parents becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sun safety for babies and toddlers.”
Toddlers learn sun safety rules at childcare centres and all centres have to follow strict guidelines put forward by the Cancer Council.
“We encourage parents to bring their children their own hats. Children get sunscreen applied on them 20 minutes before play time,” says Laura Silvera, director of World Tower Childcare in Sydney.
“Children’s skin is so tender and it’s important that they learn the importance of applying sunscreen from an early age.
“We don’t allow children to wear singlet tops because their shoulders and chests are exposed; they have to wear t-shirts, says Ms Silvera.”
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Almost one in two people who grow up here get some form of skin cancer at some time in their life, which is why it is so important that children grow up understanding that they must wear sun protection gear when outdoors.
“From 11am to 3pm, the children are not allowed outside, which is what the Cancer Council says is the worst time to be outside,” says Alice Voight, director of Moore Park Gardens Pre-school and long day care in Surry Hills.
Ms Voight, also a mother, says parents should keep talking to their children about the importance of applying sunscreen as children tend to role model adults.
“Some advice is to make it fun – don’t make it boring to apply sunscreen. You could make a song out of it or do a dance.
“Hopefully, the next few generations won’t be sitting in the sun cooking themselves,” she says.
