SunSmart

Rationale

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with 140,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths recorded last year.

There are four factors, often occurring simultaneously, which contribute to these statistics:

1. the population is predominantly fair-skinned.

2. ultraviolet light from the sun is of sufficient intensity to induce skin cancer in this susceptible population.

3. for the most of this century social values have supported the belief that a suntan is healthy and attractive.

4. lifestyle, work, school and recreational habits expose people to the sun for long periods.

Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun. Much of the damage occurs during childhood and adolescence. Research suggests that severe sunburn is a contributor to skin cancer and other forms of skin damage and skin cancer is, therefore, preventable.

Schools can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths by encouraging all members of the school community to take effective skin-protection measures.

Aims

The aims of the SunSmart Policy are to promote among students, staff and parents:

• positive attitudes towards skin protection.
• lifestyle practices which can help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and the number of related deaths.
• personal responsibility for and decision-making about skin protection.
• awareness of the need for environmental changes in schools to reduce the level of exposure to the sun.
  Implementations Strategies for Skin Protection
• This policy is for implementation throughout the entire year.
  The purpose of the policy is to ensure that all children attending this school are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

1. As part of general skin-protection strategies the school will:

1.1 incorporate the school curriculum all appropriate educational programs which focus on skin cancer prevention.

1.2 encourage positive role-modelling of SunSmart behaviour by all teachers and ancillary staff.

1.3 encourage all students to wear hats which protect the face, neck and ears; shirts with collars and sleeves; and SPF 15+, broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen when exposed to the sun.

1.4 require students without adequate protection to use shaded or covered areas at recess and lunch times.

1.5 request all staff, students and parents to adequately protect themselves from the sun when involved in excursions and other outdoor activities.

1.6 timetable outdoor assemblies before 10:00 am and after 2:00 pm.
(11:00 am and 3:00 pm daylight saving time)

1.7 encourage students to be actively involved in initiatives to protect the school population from excessive exposure to the sun.

1.8 offer a variety of hats through the school bookroom at reasonable prices,

1.9 purchase of SPF 15+ sunscreen for all classes.

2. As part of the Physical Education Program the school will:

2.1 encourage students and staff to:

• wear hats that shade the face, neck and ears;
• wear shirts with sleeves and collars that are made from closely woven
  natural fibre; and
• apply SPF 15+, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.

2.2 Use shaded areas and indoor venues when appropriate.

3. As part of the Health Education Program the school will:

3.1 involve the students in a variety of learning activities to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills pertinent to skin protection.

3.2 have a campaign to educate the children by:

• having posters around the school.
• having visits by Anti Cancer Foundation.
  
• allowing time in curriculum for lessons on Skin Cancer.
  
• utilising shelter shed and shaded areas.
  
• strongly encouraging children to wear hats.
  
• staff setting a positive role model