HSE reminds parents to protect children's skin and be SunSmart for the return to school

Sun's UV rays remain strong enough to damage skin throughout September

As children prepare to return to school following the summer holidays, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland, is reminding parents and guardians to continue protecting children's skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

While summer may be coming to an end, UV levels can remain high enough to cause skin damage throughout September, even on cooler or cloudy days. Children spend significant time outdoors during the school day, whether walking or cycling to school, participating in sports, or playing at break times, making sun protection essential during the back-to-school period.

Prof Aoife Lally, Consultant Dermatologist, St Vincent’s University Hospital said: "Playing and spending time outdoors is an important part of childhood and supports children's health and wellbeing. However, it is essential that children are protected from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Many people associate sun protection with holidays abroad, but UV levels in Ireland can also be strong enough to damage skin from April through September. By making SunSmart habits part of your family's daily routine, you can help reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer later in life."

Children's skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation. Research shows that episodes of sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood. Protecting children from sunburn today helps protect their long-term health. The UV Index measures the strength of UV radiation from the sun and is a useful tool for determining when protection is needed. When the UV Index is 3 or above, sun protection is recommended for everyone. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check daily UV forecasts and ensure children are protected whenever they are outdoors. You can check the Met Éireann UV Index here https://www.met.ie/uv-index or on the weather app on your phone.

Protect yourself and your children by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5S's:

• Slip on clothing that covers skin, such as long sleeves and collared T-shirts.
• Slop on sunscreen, using SPF 50+ for children on exposed skin. Reapply regularly, especially after being active outdoors.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and neck.
• Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak UV hours. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
• Slide on sunglasses with UV protection to help protect eyes from UV damage.

Maria McEnery, Cancer Prevention Officer, HSE National Cancer Control Programme, said: "Schools play an important role in helping children develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By incorporating sun safety into school policies, daily routines and classroom learning, schools can help protect children from harmful UV radiation while they are outdoors. The SunSmart School Toolkit for Primary and Post Primary Schools provides practical, easy-to-use resources that support schools to create a sun-safe environment and empower children to understand how they can protect their skin. Small actions taken during childhood can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of skin cancer later in life."

Primary and post-primary schools are encouraged to make use of the SunSmart School Accreditation Toolkit, a free resource to support schools in creating a sun-safe environment for pupils, staff and the wider school community. The toolkit supports schools on their journey towards becoming a SunSmart accredited school, demonstrating their commitment to protecting children's health and reducing the risk of skin cancer in later life. Schools can access the toolkit and further SunSmart resources free of charge through www.healthpromotion.ie

For more information on how to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer, visit the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/sunsmart.