SUNSMART POLICY
FOR
PRESCHOOL TO YEAR 7
POLICY IMPLEMENTED - JULY 2012
POLICY REVIEWED IN 2014-2015
SUNSMART POLICY
RATIONALE
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world with two out of every three
people developing some form of skin cancer before they are 85.
Skin damage, including skin cancer, is the result of cumulative exposure to the sun.
Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life determines, to a substantive degree, the likelihood of
skin cancer developing later in life.
The Cancer Council SA advises people to protect their skin at times when the ultraviolet
(UV) radiation level is 3 and above. This is when it is strong enough to cause damage to
unprotected skin. For much of South Australia, UV radiation levels are 3 and above every
day from September to April and it is during these months that sun protection is necessary.
The Cancer Council SA recommends that a skin protection policy be in place from the 1st.
September until April 30th when UV radiation levels are 3 and above. It is highly
recommended that UV radiation levels are monitored, particularly during May and August as
they may still be 3 or above depending on your location. The Cancer Council also
recommends that particular care should be taken between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm, when the
radiation levels are at their highest.
It is important to balance sun protection with safe sun exposure for the production of vitamin
D for bone growth and development. During May to August, at times when the UV radiation
level is below 3, sun protection for most people is not necessary.
AIMS
The aim of St. Joseph’s Memorial School Sun Smart Policy is to promote amongst children,
staff and all adults,
 Positive attitudes toward skin protection
 Lifestyle practices which 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.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Sun Smart Policy includes the following action:
 Avoid being in the sun as far as possible between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm.
(11 am and 3 pm during daylight saving time)
 Whenever possible, all outdoor activities should be scheduled before 10 am and
after 3 pm. (11am and 3 pm daylight saving time) conducted indoors, or in shaded
areas of the school, where practical.
 Use of shady trees, pergolas, verandahs, tents and umbrellas wherever possible.
 When appropriate, the school community will be encouraged to bring umbrellas
and shade tents for outdoor activities and excursions.
 The further provisions of shade will appear as a priority on any forward planning
documents for the school.
 All members of the school community are expected to wear sun safe hats, or
parasols, and clothing when involved in outdoor activities. Students not dressed
appropriately will be asked to move to shaded areas.
 Students will be encouraged to apply 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen to exposed
skin before going out into the sun. Reapply sunscreen as recommended by the
manufacturer.
 Students who wish to bring their own sunscreen need to be aware and follow the
manufacturer recommendations.
 Students will be encouraged to apply their own sunscreen. Sunscreen is available
for children, staff and visitors to use.
 Reinforcing the Sun Smart Policy will appear in all outdoor plans and parent
information sheets, particularly for sporting activities.
 Staff will be encouraged to role model Sun Smart strategies in all school activities.
 Skin Cancer Prevention will be an integral part of the school health curriculum.
 Staff will be kept up to date with information and resources through the Cancer
Council.
 Staff are educated about the OHS&W risks related to prolonged exposure to UV
rays and it is expected that sun safe hats and clothing be worn during daily duties
and at other times during the school day. Staff may chose to wear approved sun
smart sunglasses or use umbrellas provided during the school day.
 Administration staff will access the Sun Smart UV Alert indicator in times of high
UV Levels to help monitor the schools Sun Smart policy.
 Should a parent or care-giver object to the application of sunscreen at any time
they will need to provide a disclaimer to the Principal. This will then be
incorporated in the Medical information for that child.
 The St. Joseph’s Memorial School Sun Smart Policy is to be reviewed biannually.
 This Policy will be integrated as part of the induction process, for staff and
families and to the St. Joseph’s Memorial School Community.